: To provide a complete "social history" of France in the early 19th century.

Balzac's "Relentless Realism" influenced some of the greatest writers in history:

: Often cited as his masterpiece, exploring family, money, and social ambition.

: Inspired by Balzac’s detailed descriptions of urban life.

: It is rumored he drank up to 50 cups of coffee a day to sustain his midnight writing sessions.

: A tragic study of avarice and unrequited love in the provinces.