Honore de Balzac: A Famous

French Novelist
• Introduction

Honore de Balzac was a renowned 19th century

French novelist, playwright, and essayist who is best
known for his novel sequence "La Comedie
Humaine". His literary works had an immense
in uence on art and literature in France and Europe.
• Biography

Balzac was born on 20th May 1799 in Tours, France. He

gained international acclaim for his romantic and
realist works which portrayed the social realities of
French life. He produced 91 novels, over 3000 and
numerous articles. He died on 17th August 1850 aged
just 51.
• Major works

Balzac's major works include The Human Comedy

and the series of his stories referred to as Scenes of
Private Life. He was also known for his masterpiece
"Lost Illusions", which is about young man's ambitious
for the society. He wrote the book in the form of
letters and stories, on various topics such as love,
money and politics.
• In uence

Balzac had a signi cant in uence in French literature.

His works inspired many modern writers, including
Marcel Proust, the author of Remembrance of Things
Past. He was also very in uential in the development
of realistic ction, which he described as "the scienti c
analysis of the human heart in all its in nite variety."
His works continue to be read and admired today.
• Conclusion

Balzac is considered to be one of the greatest French

novelists. His works are distinguished by a vivid
depiction of social life and the changing fabric of early
19th century France. His writing style is noted for its
realism and psychological insight, with some critics
calling him a “prophet of realism” for his deep
understanding of human nature. He continues to be
highly respected by people around the world.