The tale of Tartarin de Tarascon was written by Alphonse Daudet in 1872, and was one of the many works which he produced.

In it he pokes gentle fun at a type of Frenchman who comes from the Midi, the area where he himself was born.

Tartarin has characteristics which may remind the English-speaking reader of Toad of Toad Hall, a boastful braggart, easily deceived, but good-hearted au fond.
The world he inhabits is, of course, very different from ours.

There is no radio or television, the motor car is no more than a plaything for the rich.

There is only the beginnings of a telephone system.