Droll Stories - Complete : Collected from the Abbeys of Touraine

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Droll Stories - Complete" by Honoré de Balzac is a collection of tales written in the early 19th century, showcasing the author's sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century France, the stories feature a variety of colorful characters, including priests, courtesans, and noblemen, as they navigate the complexities of love, lust, and morality. The collection is distinguished for its rich historical context and playful exploration of social mores, making it both an entertaining and enlightening read. At the start of "Droll Stories," readers are introduced to the vibrant world of Touraine through the lens of its inhabitants. The translator's preface sets the tone for the book, praising Balzac's literary artistry and his portrayal of French life and customs. The opening tale follows Philippe de Mala, a young priest attending the Council of Constance, who grapples with his desires amid the excesses of the clergy and their indulgent lifestyles. As the narrative unfolds, themes of temptation, virtue, and the contrasts between desires and societal expectations emerge, inviting readers to explore the humorous and scandalous aspects of the time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by John Bickers, Ian Hodgson, Dagny and Emma Dudding HTML version produced by David Widger

Notes:

Translation of: Les contes drôlatiques Composed of the following etexts, also available separately: Vol 1: #1925, Vol 2: #2318, & Vol 3: #2551

Reading ease score: 66.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Cent_Contes_drolatiques

Release date is 2004-08-23