Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

The Elixir of Life   By: (1799-1850)

Book cover

In Honoré de Balzac's novel, The Elixir of Life, readers are transported to a mesmerizing world of alchemy and dark desires. Set in Paris during the 17th century, the narrative follows the protagonist, Etienne de Precy, as he becomes embroiled in a quest that promises eternal youth, the elusive elixir of life.

From the very first pages, Balzac's intricate and rich prose captivate, painting vivid scenes and intricate details that transport us to the city's grimy streets and dimly lit laboratories. Balzac's attention to atmospheric details makes the setting a character in itself, casting a shadow of mystery and intrigue over the entire story.

Etienne de Precy, a nobleman desperate to reclaim his youth and relive his lost glories, stumbles upon a secret network of alchemists. The pursuit of the elixir takes him through a labyrinth of characters and subplots, each more enigmatic than the last. Along the way, Balzac introduces us to a cast of diverse and compelling characters, each with their own ambitions and secrets tightly woven into the grand tapestry of the narrative.

One of the most striking aspects of Balzac's writing is his ability to delve deep into the human psyche, exploring the darkest corners of ambition, obsession, and the pursuit of immortality. Through Etienne's journey, we witness the perils of unchecked desires and the consequences of tampering with nature's balance. Balzac not only immerses us in the world of alchemy but also provides a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers and folly of seeking eternal life.

As the plot unfolds, Balzac expertly intertwines historical events and societal issues of the era, painting a nuanced portrait of Parisian society. The political intrigues, social hierarchy, and cultural norms of 17th-century France serve as a compelling backdrop against which the characters navigate their own personal struggles.

However, some readers may find the narrative pacing uneven at times. Balzac meticulously builds the tension, but occasionally, the story loses momentum before regaining its grip on the reader's attention. Additionally, the sheer number of characters introduced throughout the novel can be overwhelming, making it challenging to keep track of their individual storylines.

Despite these minor flaws, The Elixir of Life is a compelling and thought-provoking work of fiction that explores timeless themes of mortality and human ambition. Balzac's descriptive prose, rich historical backdrop, and complex characters make for a mesmerizing reading experience. Fans of historical fiction, mystery, and philosophical musings are sure to find this novel a captivating addition to their bookshelves.

First Page:

THE ELIXIR OF LIFE

By Honore De Balzac

Translated By Clara Bell and James Waring

TO THE READER

At the very outset of the writer's literary career, a friend, long since dead, gave him the subject of this Study. Later on he found the same story in a collection published about the beginning of the present century. To the best of his belief, it is some stray fancy of the brain of Hoffmann of Berlin; probably it appeared in some German almanac, and was omitted in the published editions of his collected works. The Comedie Humaine is sufficiently rich in original creations for the author to own to this innocent piece of plagiarism; when, like the worthy La Fontaine, he has told unwittingly, and after his own fashion, a tale already related by another. This is not one of the hoaxes in vogue in the year 1830, when every author wrote his "tale of horror" for the amusement of young ladies. When you have read the account of Don Juan's decorous parricide, try to picture to yourself the part which would be played under very similar circumstances by honest folk who, in this nineteenth century, will take a man's money and undertake to pay him a life annuity on the faith of a chill, or let a house to an ancient lady for the term of her natural life! Would they be for resuscitating their clients? I should dearly like a connoisseur in consciences to consider how far there is a resemblance between a Don Juan and fathers who marry their children to great expectations... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books