Lost Illusions (1898)

Lost Illusions is a novel written by French author Honore de Balzac and was first published in 1837. The book is set in the early 19th century and follows the life of Lucien de Rubempre, a young poet from Angouleme who dreams of becoming a great writer and making a name for himself in Paris. The story begins with Lucien's arrival in Paris, where he is taken under the wing of his friend and fellow poet, Daniel d'Arthez. Lucien is introduced to the literary world of Paris and is quickly swept up in its glamour and excess. He becomes involved with a group of Bohemian writers and artists, including the beautiful and ambitious Coralie, who becomes his lover and muse.As Lucien's fame and success grow, he begins to lose sight of his original aspirations and becomes consumed by his desire for wealth and social status. He becomes involved with a wealthy and influential woman, Madame de Bargeton, who introduces him to the upper echelons of Parisian society. However, Lucien's success is short-lived, and he soon finds himself in debt and facing ruin.Lost Illusions is a powerful and insightful exploration of the corrupting influence of ambition and the harsh realities of life in 19th-century Paris. Balzac's vivid descriptions of the city's social and cultural landscape provide a fascinating insight into the world of literature and the arts during this period. The novel is a masterpiece of French literature and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of literature or the cultural life of 19th-century France.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.