Honore de Balzac Quotes
A collection of quotes by Honore de Balzac.
Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, best known for his influential series of novels collectively titled "La Comédie Humaine". Born the eldest child into a middle-class family in Tours, France, Balzac displayed a passion for literature from a young age. Despite his indiscipline and academic difficulties, he persevered in his writing ambitions and moved to Paris at the age of 20 to pursue a career as a writer.
During his early years in Paris, Balzac faced financial struggles and numerous literary rejections. However, he remained determined to establish himself as a prominent writer. In 1829, he published his first successful novel, "Les Chouans," followed by many others that solidified his reputation as a master of realism and naturalism.
Balzac's most notable contribution to literature was his magnum opus, "La Comédie Humaine," comprising over 90 interconnected novels and stories. This sprawling collection depicted various aspects of French society, covering themes such as politics, love, ambition, and social class. Balzac's intricate character development and meticulous attention to detail were admired for their realism and psychological depth.
Throughout his career, Balzac was known for his intense work ethic, often writing for over 15 hours a day. His dedication to his craft took a toll on his health, and he passed away in 1850 at the age of 51. Despite his relatively short life, Balzac's literary contributions left an enduring impact on French literature, making him one of the most important literary figures of the 19th century.
