Lost Illusions

Lost Illusions is the story of Lucien Chardon, the young provincial poet making his ruthless way in Parisian society (who appears later in A Harlot High and Low), and of the printer David Séchard. As often in Balzac, the brilliance, elegance and cynicism of Paris are contrasted with the boredom, narrowness and decency of provincial life. Balzac's superb narrative powers and his fascination with technical expertise are mingled in this 'study of manners' with a delicate ambiguity of attitude towards city and country, aristocracy and bourgeoisie. The tale ends with the appearance of the mysterious 'Carlos Herrera' and a new departure in the rich procession of Balzac's 'Human Comedy'.