Balzac
Honoré de Balzac was a prolific French novelist and playwright born on May 20, 1799, in Tours, France. He is best known for his ambitious series of novels and stories collectively titled "La Comédie Humaine," which paints a vivid portrait of French society in the early 19th century. Balzac's works delve into the complexities of human behavior and the social conditions of his time, showcasing a remarkable ability to create memorable characters and intricate plots. His keen observations and detailed descriptions provide a fascinating window into the lives of the people in his world, making his narratives both engaging and thought-provoking.
Throughout his life, Balzac faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and a relentless work ethic that often left him exhausted. Despite these obstacles, he managed to produce over ninety individual works, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced countless writers, including Marcel Proust and Charles Dickens. If you’re curious about the intricacies of human nature and the societal issues of the past, exploring Balzac's literature can be a rewarding experience. Dive into his world and discover the rich tapestry of characters and stories that continue to resonate today.
Colonel Chabert (Version 2)
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
The short novel “Colonel Chabert” (1832) is part of Balzac’s great life work, the sprawling novel series titled “The Human Comedy.” Chabert,…
The Unknown Masterpiece
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“The Unknown Masterpiece” (“Le Chef-d’œuvre inconnu”) is a novella by Honoré de Balzac, published with revisions in 1845, after earli…
At the Sign of the Cat and Racket
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
The short novel “At the Sign of the Cat and Racket” was one of Balzac’s earliest fictions, first published in 1830 and substantially revised…
The Marriage Contract
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
Balzac’s novel “The Marriage Contract” (1835) is part of his “Scenes of Private Life,” which is one section of “The Human Comedy,” his great…
The Commission in Lunacy
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“The Commission in Lunacy” is a short novel first published in 1836 with the French title “L’interdiction” (i.e., “The Ban” or “The Prohibit…
A Second Home
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
This novella was first published in French in 1830, with the title “La femme vertueuse” (“The virtuous woman”). In an 1842 edition, the titl…
Ferragus, Chief of the Dévorants
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Honoré de Balzac
Why would someone with an immaculate reputation enter a house known for vices? A young officer sets out to uncover the "secret" of…
Le Curé de village
Read by Aegidius
Honoré de Balzac
Au couple Tascheron-Bonnet qui forme le cœur de l’œuvre, un malheureux criminel de circonstance condamné à mort et son cur&eac…