The Commission in Lunacy: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Commission in Lunacy: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Commission in Lunacy is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Balzac, Honoré de (1799–1850). The listed translation credits are Bell, Clara (1834–1927).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Commission in Lunacy" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative revolves around a legal case involving Madame d'Espard, who is seeking a commission to have her husband declared insane, thereby enabling her to gain control over his affairs and assure the welfare of her children. At the center of the story is M. Jean-Jules Popinot, the judge assigned to the case, along with his friend Horace Bianchon, a physician, who becomes embroiled in the social complexities surrounding the d'Espard family. The opening of the novel introduces us to the world of Parisian high society through the conversations between Bianchon and Rastignac, revealing their views on the intricate dynamics of love and ambition. As they walk after a night out, Rastignac expresses his infatuation with Madame d'Espard, while Bianchon provides a critical assessment of her character. The narrative then shifts focus to M. Popinot, highlighting his humble existence and the weight of the commission he must undertake. The judge's visit to Madame d'Espard's opulent home contrasts sharply with his squalid parlor, setting the stage for the examination of class disparity, societal expectations, and the moral implications of the legal proceedings that will unfold as Popinot seeks to uncover the truth behind her petition.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Commission in Lunacy
- Author credits: Balzac, Honoré de (1799–1850)
- Catalogue language: English
- Translator credits: Bell, Clara (1834–1927)
Catalogue subjects
- Biographical fiction
- French fiction -- Translations into English
Gutenberg collections
- Category: French Literature
- Category: Novels
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
More in Books & Authors
Keep reading
