Anka Muhlstein's literary explorations delve into the intricate lives and motivations of historical figures, revealing the complex interplay of personal desires and societal forces that shaped their destinies. Her biographies are characterized by meticulous research and a profound psychological insight, bringing to life pivotal individuals from the past with remarkable clarity and narrative grace. Muhlstein brings a unique perspective to the act of reading itself, examining its profound influence on creative output and the enduring connections between an author's life and their literary legacy. She offers readers compelling portraits that illuminate the human drama at the heart of history.
Just as the art of the table became a centrepiece of French mores, Balzac used it as a connecting thread in his novels, showing how food can evoke character, atmosphere, class, and social climbing. This title describes the ways food and the art of the table feature in Honore de Balzac's writings.