Droll Stories   By: Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850)

Droll Stories by Honoré de Balzac is a collection of witty and humorous tales that will delight any reader seeking a lighthearted escape from reality. Balzac's ability to combine satire, irony, and absurdity creates a unique literary experience that goes beyond mere entertainment.

The book is divided into several short stories, each with its own distinctive style and tone. Balzac effortlessly transports us to 16th-century France, presenting a vivid picture of everyday life during that time. From scheming lovers and eccentric noblemen to conniving priests and quirky peasants, the characters in Droll Stories are richly drawn and utterly unforgettable.

What sets Balzac's stories apart is his clever use of language and his astute observations of human behavior. His satirical wit permeates each page, leaving the reader amused and often astonished at the absurdity of the situations. These tales offer not only entertainment but also a biting commentary on the social and cultural norms of Balzac's time.

One of the highlights of Droll Stories is Balzac's ability to seamlessly blend reality with fantasy. He effortlessly weaves elements of the supernatural, myth, and legend into his narratives, creating a vibrant and dynamic world that is both familiar and otherworldly. It is this skill that makes the stories feel timeless, ensuring their appeal to contemporary readers.

Moreover, Balzac's storytelling prowess shines through in his ability to craft engaging plots that keep readers eagerly turning the pages. Each story unfolds with a careful pacing, balancing humor with suspense and surprise. The author's attention to detail and his nuanced character development make these tales, no matter how absurd, feel strangely relatable.

However, Droll Stories is not without its flaws. The occasional outdated language and obscure cultural references might pose a challenge for some readers. Additionally, the book's humor may not be to everyone's taste, as it relies heavily on wordplay and irony.

In conclusion, Droll Stories by Honoré de Balzac is a delightful collection of tales that showcase the author's wit, creativity, and sharp social commentary. Balzac's ability to entertain and provoke thought simultaneously is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. While the book may not be for everyone, those who appreciate clever and witty literature will find this collection to be a truly enjoyable read.

First Page:

When, in March, 1832, the first volume of the now famous Contes Drolatiques was published by Gosselin of Paris, Balzac, in a short preface, written in the publisher's name, replied to those attacks which he anticipated certain critics would make upon his hardy experiment. He claimed for his book the protection of all those to whom literature was dear, because it was a work of art and a work of art, in the highest sense of the word, it undoubtedly is. Like Boccaccio, Rabelais, the Queen of Navarre, Ariosto, and Verville, the great author of The Human Comedy has painted an epoch. In the fresh and wonderful language of the Merry Vicar Of Meudon, he has given us a marvellous picture of French life and manners in the sixteenth century. The gallant knights and merry dames of that eventful period of French history stand out in bold relief upon his canvas. The background in these life like figures is, as it were, "sketched upon the spot." After reading the Contes Drolatiques , one could almost find one's way about the towns and villages of Touraine, unassisted by map or guide... Continue reading book >>