About the book
\"Balzac [was] the master unequalled in the art of painting humanity as it exists in modern society,\" wrote George Sand. \"He searched and dared everything.\"
Written between 1837 and 1843, Lost Illusions reveals, perhaps better than any other of Balzac's ninety-two novels, the nature and scope of his genius. The story of Lucien Chardon, a young poet from Angoulême who tries desperately to make a name for himself in Paris, is a brilliantly realistic and boldly satirical portrait of provincial manners and aristocratic life. Handsome and ambitious but naïve, Lucien is patronized by the beau monde as represented by Madame de Bargeton and her cousin, the formidable Marquise d'Espard, only to be duped by them. Denied the social rank he thought would be his, Lucien discards his poetic aspirations and turns to hack journalism; his descent into Parisian low life ultimately leads to his own death.
\"Balzac was both a greedy child and an indefatigable observer of a greedy age, at once a fantastic and a genius, yet possessing a simple core of common sense,\" noted V. S. Pritchett, one of his several biographers. Another, André Maurois, concluded: \"Balzac was by turns a saint, a criminal, an honest judge, a corrupt judge, a minister, a fob, a harlot, a duchess, and always a genius.\"
This Modern Library edition presents the translation by Kathleen Raine.
Editions of Lost Illusions
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780679602644
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780394605234
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780375757907
Read an Excerpt
\"Balzac [was] the master unequalled in the art of painting humanity as it exists in modern society,\" wrote George Sand. \"He searched and dared everything.\"
Written between 1837 and 1843, Lost Illusions reveals, perhaps better than any other of Balzac's ninety-two novels, the nature and scope of his genius. The story of Lucien Chardon, a young poet from Angoulême who tries desperately to make a name for himself in Paris, is a brilliantly realistic and boldly satirical portrait of provincial manners and aristocratic life. Handsome and ambitious but naïve, Lucien is patronized by the beau monde as represented by Madame de Bargeton and her cousin, the formidable Marquise d'Espard, only to be duped by them. Denied the social rank he thought would be his, Lucien discards his poetic aspirations and turns to hack journalism; his descent into Parisian low life ultimately leads to his own death.
\"Balzac was both a greedy child and an indefatigable observer of a greedy age, at once a fantastic and a genius, yet possessing a simple core of common sense,\" noted V. S. Pritchett, one of his several biographers. Another, André Maurois, concluded: \"Balzac was by turns a saint, a criminal, an honest judge, a corrupt judge, a minister, a fob, a harlot, a duchess, and always a genius.\"
This Modern Library edition presents the translation by Kathleen Raine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lost Illusions about?
\"Balzac [was] the master unequalled in the art of painting humanity as it exists in modern society,\" wrote George Sand. \"He searched and dared everything.\"
Written between 1837 and 1843, Lost Illusions reveals, perhaps better than any other of Balzac's ninety-two novels, the nature and scope of his genius. The story of Lucien Chardon, a young poet from Angoulême who tries desperately to make a name for himself in Paris, is a brilliantly realistic and boldly satirical portrait of provincial manners and aristocratic life. Handsome and ambitious but naïve, Lucien is patronized by the beau monde as represented by Madame de Bargeton and her cousin, the formidable Marquise d'Espard, only to be duped by them. Denied the social rank he thought would be his, Lucien discards his poetic aspirations and turns to hack journalism; his descent into Parisian low life ultimately leads to his own death.
\"Balzac was both a greedy child and an indefatigable observer of a greedy age, at once a fantastic and a genius, yet possessing a simple core of common sense,\" noted V. S. Pritchett, one of his several biographers. Another, André Maurois, concluded: \"Balzac was by turns a saint, a criminal, an honest judge, a corrupt judge, a minister, a fob, a harlot, a duchess, and always a genius.\"
This Modern Library edition presents the translation by Kathleen Raine.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lost Illusions?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of Lost Illusions?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679602644
Is Lost Illusions part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Modern Library Classics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lost Illusions?
Honoré de Balzac
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Lost Illusions is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780679602644) and hardcover(ISBN 9780394605234) and paperback(ISBN 9780375757907)
Where can I buy Lost Illusions online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Lost Illusions?