Honoré de Balzac
Honoré de Balzac was a prolific French novelist and playwright born on May 20, 1799, in Tours, France. He is best known for his ambitious series of novels and stories collectively titled "La Comédie Humaine," which paints a vivid portrait of French society in the early 19th century. Balzac's works delve into the complexities of human behavior and the social conditions of his time, showcasing a remarkable ability to create memorable characters and intricate plots. His keen observations and detailed descriptions provide a fascinating window into the lives of the people in his world, making his narratives both engaging and thought-provoking.
Throughout his life, Balzac faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and a relentless work ethic that often left him exhausted. Despite these obstacles, he managed to produce over ninety individual works, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced countless writers, including Marcel Proust and Charles Dickens. If you’re curious about the intricacies of human nature and the societal issues of the past, exploring Balzac's literature can be a rewarding experience. Dive into his world and discover the rich tapestry of characters and stories that continue to resonate today.
Another Study of Woman
Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
Honoré de Balzac
A series of tales -- told by men, of course -- about women. Though the book first appeared in 1842, Balzac later added to it as an addenfum …
Catherine De' Medici
Read by Edmund Bloxam
Honoré de Balzac
The Philosophical Studies from The Human Comedy (La Comedie Humaine) are a series of works that are intended as a reflection on history in p…
Colonel Chabert
Read by Nicole Lee
Honoré de Balzac
Colonel Chabert is a soldier, who goes missing during the Napoleonic wars, and then returns from the dead, most inconveniently for his wife,…
The Firm of Nucingen
Read by James E. Carson
Honoré de Balzac
Part of the Comedie Humane and a "supplementary" tale to go with Father Goriot and Gobseck. Nucingen is the married family name of…
The Red Inn
Read by pmstrahm
Honoré de Balzac
Staying at the red inn. Two army surgeons get caught up in a murder, intrigue and execution. - Summary by pmstrahm
La Grande Bretèche
Read by Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
Honoré de Balzac
La Grande Bretèche is an addendum to Balzac's Another Study of Woman, and is the final of a set of stories told around a dinner table…
The Chouans
Read by Jim Locke
Honoré de Balzac
Les Chouans is one of the novels in Balzac's series La Comedie Humaine. Its ostensible focus is a historical military conflict, but it also …
The Chouans (version 2)
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“The Chouans” (1829) was the first novel published under Balzac’s own name (rather than a pen-name). It became the first book in the great w…
The Duchess of Langeais
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“The Duchess of Langeais” (1834) is part of Balzac’s great life’s work, the sprawling novel series called “The Human Comedy.” This novel is …
Ursula
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“Ursula,” first published in French in 1841 as “Ursule Mirouët,” is part of Balzac’s great suite of novels, collectively titled “The Hu…
The Ball at Sceaux
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
The novella “The Ball at Sceaux” is part of Balzac’s great life work — the expansive fiction series titled “The Human Comedy.” The central c…
César Birotteau
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“Rise and Fall of César Birotteau” (1837) is part of Balzac’s great novel series titled “The Human Comedy.”The story is set in Paris,…
The Two Brothers
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“The Two Brothers” (1842) is part of Balzac’s great life work, the novel series known as “The Human Comedy.” Balzac’s French title was “La R…
Colonel Chabert (Version 2)
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
The short novel “Colonel Chabert” (1832) is part of Balzac’s great life work, the sprawling novel series titled “The Human Comedy.” Chabert,…
The Unknown Masterpiece
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“The Unknown Masterpiece” (“Le Chef-d’œuvre inconnu”) is a novella by Honoré de Balzac, published with revisions in 1845, after earli…
At the Sign of the Cat and Racket
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
The short novel “At the Sign of the Cat and Racket” was one of Balzac’s earliest fictions, first published in 1830 and substantially revised…
The Marriage Contract
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
Balzac’s novel “The Marriage Contract” (1835) is part of his “Scenes of Private Life,” which is one section of “The Human Comedy,” his great…
The Commission in Lunacy
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
“The Commission in Lunacy” is a short novel first published in 1836 with the French title “L’interdiction” (i.e., “The Ban” or “The Prohibit…
A Second Home
Read by Bruce Pirie
Honoré de Balzac
This novella was first published in French in 1830, with the title “La femme vertueuse” (“The virtuous woman”). In an 1842 edition, the titl…
Ferragus, Chief of the Dévorants
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Honoré de Balzac
Why would someone with an immaculate reputation enter a house known for vices? A young officer sets out to uncover the "secret" of…