Honoré de Balzac

"Honoré de Balzac" by Albert Keim is a biographical exploration of the celebrated novelist. The book starts by depicting Balzac's funeral, where Victor Hugo championed him. It follows Balzac from his birth in Tours in 1799, highlighting his father's philosophical nature and high hopes for him. Despite a rigid family and societal pressures, Balzac showed early promise and a strong desire to become a writer. The book introduces his early education, family ties, especially with his mother and sister, and his growing ambitions, building a groundwork for comprehending the individual who would later create significant literary works.