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Selected Short Stories

By Honoré de Balzac
Penguin Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Selected Short Stories by Honoré de Balzac consists of a collection of tales showcasing his keen insight into 19th-century French society. Through a mix of drama and wit, the stories explore themes such as the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of wealth, and social status. Each narrative is infused with Balzac's detailed character descriptiveness and vivid depiction of the time, providing a rich tapestry of lyrical storytelling and sharp observation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this collection if you appreciate richly detailed narratives that capture the early 19th-century French society with wit and depth. The author’s keen insight into human nature and intricate storytelling transports readers into a world full of fascinating characters and compelling plots. Perfect for fans of classic literature who enjoy exploring timeless themes.

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Twelve stories are representative of the tragic, melodramatic, sentimental, pathetic, and comic aspects of Balzac's art and testify to his keen sense of irony when observing the human condition.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One of the greatest French novelists, Balzac was also an accomplished writer of shorter fiction. This volume includes twelve of his finest short stories, many of which feature characters from his epic series of novels, the Comédie Humaine. Compelling tales of acute social and psychological insight, they fully demonstrate the mastery of suspense and revelation that were the hallmarks of Balzac's genius.

In The Atheist's Mass, we learn the true reason for a distinguished atheist surgeon's attendance at religious services; La Grande Bretèche describes the horrific truth behind the locked doors of a decaying country mansion, while The Red Inn relates a brutal tale of murder and betrayal.

A fascinating counterpoint to the renowned novels, all the stories collected in Selected Short Stories stand by themselves as mesmerizing works by one of the finest writers of nineteenth-century France.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140443257

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 February 1977

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Sylvia Raphael

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 219g

Pages: 288

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About the Author

Honore de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French journalist and writer, regarded as one of the creators of realism in literature. Among the masterpieces included in The Human Comedy are Le Pere Goriot, Les Illusions Perdues, Les Paysans, La Femme de Trente Ans, and Eugenie Grandet.

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