Lost Illusions by Honore Balzac (Penguin Classics)

Description

“Lost Illusions” (French: “Illusions perdues”) is a novel by the French writer Honoré de Balzac, originally published in three parts between 1837 and 1843. It is one of the works in Balzac’s extensive series of novels and stories known as “La Comédie Humaine,” which depicts various aspects of French society in the 19th century.

“Lost Illusions” tells the story of Lucien Chardon, a talented but naïve young poet from the provinces who comes to Paris with dreams of literary success and a desire to escape his provincial life. He adopts the pen name “Lucien de Rubempré” and becomes entangled in the complex social and literary circles of Paris. Along the way, he encounters various characters, including journalists, publishers, and aristocrats, and faces the harsh realities of the literary and social world.

The novel explores themes of ambition, deception, social climbing, and the corrupting influence of the city on the innocent. It also provides a detailed and often critical portrayal of the Parisian literary and journalistic scene of Balzac’s time.

“Lost Illusions” is considered one of Balzac’s masterpieces and is highly regarded for its vivid characters, sharp social commentary, and intricate plot. It is often studied as a classic example of 19th-century French literature and is celebrated for its depiction of the challenges and temptations faced by artists and writers in pursuit of success.