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.

Books by Honoré de Balzac