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Classic Literature

Honoré de Balzac: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

Honoré de Balzac: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Honoré de Balzac is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Balzac, Honoré de (1799–1850). The listed translation credits are Ives, George Burnham (1856–1930).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Little French Masterpieces" by Honoré de Balzac is a collection of short stories written in the early 19th century. The book showcases a selection of Balzac's lesser-known narratives that express his literary genius, offering readers a glimpse into the human condition during that time. The opening is steeped in an exploration of art, ambition, and the complexities of love, featuring characters such as the aspiring painter Nicolas Poussin and the enigmatic old master Frenhofer, who struggle with their artistic identities and relationships. The beginning of "Little French Masterpieces" introduces readers to the young artist Nicolas Poussin, who is initially hesitant yet determined to seek out his master, François Porbus. As he navigates the world of art and ambition, he encounters a mysterious old man, Frenhofer, who claims to possess secrets of creating life-like paintings. The narrative depicts Poussin's eagerness to learn from this master, while also foreshadowing deeper struggles concerning artistic integrity and personal sacrifice. Through the initial interactions between these characters, the text captures the delicate balance between art and humanity, ambition and love, hinting at the profound themes that will unfold throughout Balzac's tales.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Honoré de Balzac
  • Author credits: Balzac, Honoré de (1799–1850)
  • Catalogue language: English
  • Translator credits: Ives, George Burnham (1856–1930)

Catalogue subjects

  • French fiction -- Translations into English
  • Short stories, French -- Translations into English

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: French Literature
  • Category: Short Stories

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

Sources

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