Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau

by Honore de Balzac

Overview

In 'Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau' by Honoré de Balzac, readers are taken on a journey through the life of a successful perfumer in early 19th century Paris. The novel combines elements of realism and naturalism, focusing on the rise of Birotteau's fortune, followed by a series of unfortunate events that lead to his downfall. Balzac's detailed descriptions and intricate character development immerse the reader in the world of 19th century Parisian society, showing both its glamour and corruption. The novel is a critique of the relentless pursuit of wealth and social status during this time period. Honoré de Balzac, a prolific French novelist, was known for his keen observations of society and his ability to depict the complexities of human nature. His own personal struggles with finances and social standing likely influenced his writing of 'Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau'. Balzac's unique storytelling style and social commentary have solidified his place as one of the most important literary figures of the 19th century. I highly recommend 'Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau' to readers who enjoy richly detailed historical novels that delve into the intricacies of human ambition and societal expectations. Balzac's exploration of wealth, power, and downfall makes this novel a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788028364694
Publisher:	Sharp Ink
Publication date:	01/01/2024
Sold by:	CIANDO
Format:	eBook
File size:	731 KB

About the Author

Honoré de Balzac (1799 - 1850) was a French novelist and playwright. The novel sequence La Comédie Humaine, which presents a panorama of post-Napoleonic French life, is generally viewed as his magnum opus. Owing to his keen observation of detail and unfiltered representation of society, Balzac is regarded as one of the founders of realism in European literature. He is renowned for his multi-faceted characters; even his lesser characters are complex, morally ambiguous and fully human. Inanimate objects are imbued with character as well; the city of Paris, a backdrop for much of his writing, takes on many human qualities. His writing influenced many famous writers, including the novelists Émile Zola, Charles Dickens, Gustave Flaubert, Jack Kerouac, and Henry James, filmmakers Akira Kurosawa and Eric Rohmer as well as important philosophers such as Friedrich Engels. Many of Balzac's works have been made into films and they continue to inspire other writers.

Katherine Prescott Wormeley (1830 - 1908) was an American nurse in the Civil War, author, editor and translator of French language literary works. She was one of the best known translators of her time, having translated from the French language the complete works of Honoré de Balzac (40 vols., 1883-97) for American readers. She also translated the Narrative of Marie-Thérèse Charlotte de France, the memoirs of Madame de Motteville on Anne of Austria, as well as works by Molière (6 vols., 1892); Louis de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon; Alphonse Daudet; and Alexandre Dumas, among others.

What People are Saying About This

Marcel Prouft

In reading Balzac, we can still feel and almost gratify those cravings which great literature ought to allay in us.
—(Marcel Prouft)

Andre Maurois

The novel is a study in morals, the picture of a world which Balzac knew from top to bottom because he came from it.
—(Andre Maurois)