Honoré de Balzac
Born in 1799
Honoré de Balzac was a prolific 19th-century French novelist and playwright, considered a founder of literary realism.
His magnum opus, La Comédie Humaine, comprises nearly 100 interconnected works depicting French society after Napoleon's fall.
Balzac's writing is characterized by detailed observation, complex characters, and vivid depictions of Paris.
He influenced many subsequent authors and philosophers.
Despite business failures and health issues, Balzac maintained an intense writing schedule throughout his life.
His personal experiences often informed his work.
He married his longtime lover shortly before his death in 1850.