Balzac

"Balzac" by Edgar Saltus presents the life of Honoré de Balzac, a celebrated French novelist, chronicling his journey from his early days to becoming a literary icon, known for his monumental work, "La Comédie Humaine." Saltus explores Balzac’s unique personality, deep passions, and the way he created his stories, creating a striking portrayal of the person who revolutionized French literature with his novels. The biography begins with Balzac's childhood, born in Tours in 1799, where he was seen as a bright child interested in books and music, even though some thought he wasn't very smart in school. Saltus describes how Balzac struggled with traditional schooling, his decision to become a writer against his family’s wishes, and the obstacles he faced, like money problems and trying to get noticed in the writing world; the narrative establishes Balzac's important impact on literature, emphasizing early signs of his ambitions and commitment to writing.