Balzac Collection - Volume 1: A New Translation

Honoré de Balzac's La Comédie humaine is a monumental exploration of 19th-century French society, delving into its complexities through a series of interlinked narratives. The Balzac Collection - Volume 1 brings together six of his early works, each offering a unique lens into the private lives, ambitions, and moral dilemmas of his characters.

The House of the Cat and Racket (La Maison du Chat-qui-pelote)
This story examines the challenges of a marriage between different social classes. Augustine Guillaume, the daughter of a conservative cloth merchant, marries Théodore de Sommervieux, a romantic artist. Their union highlights the tensions between traditional bourgeois values and the bohemian lifestyle of the artistic world.

The Ball at Sceaux (Le Bal de Sceaux)
Émilie de Fontaine, a proud aristocrat, refuses to marry anyone not of noble birth. Her encounter with a mysterious young man at a ball leads to unexpected revelations, challenging her preconceived notions of class and love.

The Stock Exchange (La Bourse)
A young painter, Hippolyte Schinner, falls in love with Adélaïde Leseigneur, a woman of modest means. Misunderstandings and suspicions arise, but ultimately, trust and love prevail in this tale of romance and social perception.

The Vendetta (La Vendetta)
Set against the backdrop of Corsican family feuds, Ginevra di Piombo defies her father's wishes by marrying Luigi Porta, a member of a rival family. Their tragic love story underscores the destructive nature of vengeance and the power of forgiveness.

Madame Firmiani
This narrative revolves around the enigmatic Madame Firmiani and the rumors surrounding her relationship with Octave de Camps. As truths unfold, themes of honor, sacrifice, and societal judgment come to the fore.

A Double Family (Une double famille)
The story explores the life of Roger de Granville, a man leading two separate family lives. Balzac delves into the complexities of marital dissatisfaction, societal expectations, and the search for genuine connection.

Together, these stories offer a rich tapestry of human experiences, reflecting Balzac's keen insight into the societal structures and personal intricacies of his time. The Balzac Collection - Volume 1 serves as an excellent entry point into the world of La Comédie humaine, showcasing the author's mastery in portraying the multifaceted nature of human relationships and societal norms.