An extensively revised Backgrounds and Contexts section provides geographical and political insights into mid-nineteenth century France and places the novel in the context of contemporary authors and works. A map of 1830s France, political and literary chronologies, an account of the trial of Antoine Berthet, and related writings by Stendhal, Paul Valery, and Jules Janin are included.

Criticism collects nine essays, seven of which are new to this edition, by Erich Auerbach, Rene Girard, Victor Brombert, Shoshana Felman, Peter Brooks, Sandy Petrey, Alison Finch, Lisa G. Algazi, and Susanna Lee.

A Chronology of Stendhal's life and work, also new to the Second Edition, and an updated Selected Bibliography are included.