Honore de Balzac

Date of Birth: May 20, 1799

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 18, 1850

Biography

Honoré de Balzac was born on May 20, 1799, in Tours, France. He is considered one of the greatest novelists of all time and a seminal figure in the development of realism in European literature. Balzac’s magnum opus, “La Comédie Humaine,” is a vast collection of interlinked novels and stories depicting a wide range of characters and their intricate relationships, providing a detailed panorama of French society in the first half of the 19th century. Balzac’s early life was marked by financial struggles, which would influence much of his later work. He initially studied law but abandoned his legal career to pursue writing. His early ventures into literature and business were not successful, leading to accumulated debts that plagued him throughout his life. Despite these challenges, Balzac was remarkably prolific, often working long hours fueled by strong coffee. In 1832, Balzac met Ewelina Hańska, a Polish noblewoman, who would become his lifelong love and later his wife. Their correspondence and eventual marriage brought joy and stability to Balzac’s tumultuous life, albeit briefly, as he died just five months after their wedding. Balzac’s work has had a profound influence on literature and is revered for its depth, character complexity, and social commentary. His legacy endures in the countless adaptations of his work and the continued study and admiration of his novels.

5 Interesting Facts about Honore de Balzac

1. Balzac was known for his extensive revisions, often rewriting his works multiple times.

2. He consumed vast quantities of coffee to fuel his prodigious writing sessions, sometimes working 15 hours a day.

3. “La Comédie Humaine” consists of 91 finished works and 46 unfinished works.

4. Balzac had significant debts throughout his life, which he often tried to alleviate through his writing.

5. He was an early adopter of serialized novels, which were published in newspapers before being released as books.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Honore de Balzac

1. “Behind every great fortune lies a great crime.”

2. “The more one judges, the less one loves.”

3. “Passion is universal humanity. Without it, religion, history, romance, and art would be useless.”

4. “To love is to find your own happiness in the happiness of another.”

5. “Solitude is fine, but you need someone to tell that solitude is fine.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Balzac’s net worth was modest, as he struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life. However, his literary works have generated significant value posthumously.