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Honoré de Balzac

    May 20, 1799 – August 18, 1850

    Honoré de Balzac was a nineteenth-century French novelist and playwright whose extensive body of work presents a panorama of French life in the era following Napoleon Bonaparte's fall. He is recognized as a founder of European literary realism for his keen observation of detail and unflinching depiction of society. Balzac is celebrated for his multi-faceted characters, who are complex, morally ambiguous, and fully human, and his writing often imbues even inanimate objects and the city of Paris with lifelike qualities. His literary influence extended to numerous famous authors and continues to inspire writers today.

    Honoré de Balzac
    The Ball at Sceaux
    Tales of the Napoleonic Era
    The Physiology of Marriage
    Beatrix
    Colonel Chabert
    Honoré de Balzac
    • 2024

      The Thirteen

      Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley and Ellen Marriage

      • 348 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      Balzac's work offers a detailed portrayal of post-Napoleonic French society through his extensive sequence, La Comédie humaine. His commitment to realism is evident in his complex characters, who embody moral ambiguity and depth. Even non-human elements, such as the city of Paris, are richly characterized, enhancing the narrative. His influence extends to numerous prominent writers and filmmakers, marking him as a pivotal figure in European literature. Balzac’s keen observations and unvarnished societal reflections contribute to his lasting literary legacy.

      The Thirteen
    • 2024

      A Start in Life

      Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley

      • 180 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      The novel sequence La Comédie humaine offers a detailed portrayal of post-Napoleonic French society through a rich tapestry of multi-dimensional characters, each reflecting moral complexity and humanity. Balzac's keen observational skills elevate inanimate objects and settings, particularly Paris, to possess distinct personalities. His pioneering realism has left a lasting impact on numerous literary figures and filmmakers, establishing him as a foundational influence in European literature.

      A Start in Life
    • 2024

      Sons of the Soil

      Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley

      • 330 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      Balzac's work is celebrated for its intricate portrayal of post-Napoleonic French society through the expansive narrative of La Comédie humaine. His keen observational skills bring to life a diverse array of characters, each morally complex and deeply human, while even inanimate objects, particularly in Paris, are given vibrant personalities. This unfiltered realism has significantly influenced notable literary figures and filmmakers, establishing Balzac as a pivotal figure in the evolution of European literature.

      Sons of the Soil
    • 2024

      A Start in Life

      • 156 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      The preservation of a classical work ensures its significance endures for future generations. This edition has been meticulously reformatted and retyped, offering a modern presentation that enhances readability. Unlike typical reprints, it is not a scanned copy, guaranteeing clarity and accessibility for contemporary readers.

      A Start in Life
    • 2024

      A Street of Paris and Its Inhabitant

      Translated by Henri Pene du Bois

      Balzac's work is celebrated for its intricate portrayal of post-Napoleonic French society, showcasing a wide array of complex, morally ambiguous characters that reflect the human experience. His keen observational skills and unfiltered realism make him a pivotal figure in European literature. Inanimate objects, particularly the city of Paris, are infused with personality, enhancing the narrative depth. His influence extends to numerous acclaimed writers and filmmakers, solidifying his legacy in the literary world.

      A Street of Paris and Its Inhabitant
    • 2024

      The Stepmother

      A Drama in Five Acts

      • 162 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Balzac's work is celebrated for its detailed portrayal of post-Napoleonic French society, showcasing a wide array of complex, morally ambiguous characters. His ability to infuse inanimate objects and settings, particularly Paris, with human traits adds depth to his narratives. As a pioneer of realism in European literature, his influence extends to renowned authors and filmmakers, shaping the literary landscape of his time and beyond. La Comédie humaine stands as his monumental contribution, reflecting the intricacies of human experience and society.

      The Stepmother
    • 2024

      The Muse of the Department

      • 154 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Focused on preservation, this edition of a classical work ensures its significance is maintained for future generations. It has been meticulously reformatted, retyped, and designed to enhance readability, distinguishing it from mere scanned copies. The effort emphasizes the book's historical importance and aims to keep its legacy alive in a modern format.

      The Muse of the Department
    • 2024

      Focusing on the themes of greed and familial loyalty, the narrative delves into the intricate dynamics within a family. It highlights the societal pressures individuals face while navigating their relationships, love, and the relentless pursuit of wealth. The story intricately weaves together the complexities of human nature, revealing how these elements influence personal choices and relationships.

      Eugénie Grandet (The Human Comedy) (Royal Collector's Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)
    • 2024

      This publication focuses on making historical works accessible through large print, catering specifically to individuals with impaired vision. Megali, the publishing house behind this initiative, emphasizes the importance of preserving and sharing classic texts in a format that enhances readability for all.

      A Street of Paris And Its Inhabitant
    • 2024

      Große und kleine Welt

      in Großdruckschrift

      • 172 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Der Verlag Megali setzt sich für die Reproduktion historischer Werke in Großdruck ein, um Menschen mit eingeschränkter Sehfähigkeit den Zugang zu Literatur zu erleichtern. Diese Initiative fördert das Lesen und ermöglicht es einer breiteren Leserschaft, von klassischen Texten zu profitieren.

      Große und kleine Welt