Herodias by Gustave Flaubert

Herodias is a short story by Gustave Flaubert, one of the great masters of French literature. It is a reworking of the tale of Salome and John the Baptist, in which faith and cruelty are blended in a deadly dance culminating in tragedy. A stylistic masterpiece, with orientalist sensuality and an inspired dive into religious fervor, this short story brings the ancient era to the most colorful possible life.