Honoré De Balzac
1901
Honoré de Balzac's 'Little French Masterpieces,' first published in 1901, is a collection of short stories that showcases his literary prowess and insight into the human condition. Written in the early 19th century, these narratives explore themes of art, ambition, and love through characters like the aspiring painter Nicolas Poussin and the mysterious old master Frenhofer. Balzac's keen observations of society and complex character portrayals make this work notable within the context of his larger body of work, 'La Comédie humaine,' which reflects post-Napoleonic French life.
Editions
X-Ray
“What is a feeling if not a world in a thought””
— Honoré de Balzac
“What must the rest of the world be like when one of the kindest of women forgets all her promises of befriending me in a moment, and tosses me aside like an old shoe? So it is every one for himself?””
— Honoré de Balzac
“Women themselves are so happy, and so beautiful, when they're strong, that they naturally choose powerful men, even if that power's so enormous there's a real risk it could shatter them.””
— Honoré de Balzac
