Human Comedy: Scenes from Political Life

A short story ushering the reader into the violent and horrifying events that took place during the Reign of Terror following the French Revolution. The tale follows an old ex-Carmelite nun who is hiding from Robespierre with abject fear of what tomorrow may bring. Oozing with mystery and suspense, Balzac's allegorical prose is at its very finest here. The French author who, along with Flaubert, is widely regarded to be one of the founding fathers of realism in European fiction.

Due to Balzac's death in 1850, 'The Deputy of Arcis' was left incomplete at its most compelling moment. A political satire criticizing the electoral system, taking place in the provinces of southern France and revolving around a fierce electoral dispute. But the arrival of a mysterious man changes everything - is it for better or worse? Balzac's creative genius, combined with a humourous and ironic narrative makes this read thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. Guy de Maupassant, Flaubert and Emile Zola were naturalist authors who were directly influenced by Balzac. Strongly recommended for fans of modern-day humorous political sitcoms such as 'Parks and Recreation,' starring Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman as the unforgettable duo Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson.

An Historical Mystery' tells the story of a mysterious kidnapping, coupled with the romantic intrigue blossoming within the higher circles of power while Napoleon I was at the height of his reign. A narrative similar to that of an Elizabethan revenge tragedy, one conspiracy bleeds into another to reveal the murky depths of the French sociopolitical arena at the time. By using his infamous descriptive powers and impeccable judgement of individual character, Balzac definitely shows that he knew everything about his own time. Guy de Maupassant, Flaubert and Emile Zola were naturalist authors who were directly influenced by Balzac.