Droll Stories - Volume 1

Balzac's work is celebrated for its detailed portrayal of post-Napoleonic French society through the extensive narrative of La Comédie humaine. He is a pioneer of realism, offering complex, morally ambiguous characters that reflect the intricacies of human nature. Even inanimate objects and the city of Paris are richly characterized, enhancing the depth of his narratives. His influence extends to numerous literary giants and filmmakers, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of European literature.