Honore de Balzac

Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850) was a French writer. Born in Tours, he studied law in Paris but abandoned his studies to pursue writing. His early attempts as a publisher and printer were unsuccessful; his literary breakthrough came in 1829 with the historical novel “Le dernier Chouan.” His unfinished cycle “La Comédie humaine” comprises around 90 novels and stories, including “Eugénie Grandet,” “Father Goriot,” and “Lost Illusions.” Through interconnected narratives, Balzac portrayed French society in the 19th century and is regarded as a major figure of French literary realism. He died in Paris.