This long novel follows Lucien Chardon, a gifted young poet from the provincial town of Angoulême, who dreams of fame. He leaves for Paris with the support of a noblewoman, but soon finds a world of journalism, publishing and theatre ruled by money, favours and cynicism. Beside him stands his friend David Séchard, a decent printer and inventor whose fortunes follow a different course. Balzac examines talent, vanity and the cost of ambition, giving a vivid, often bitter picture of literary life in Restoration France.
Quotes
What is Art, monsieur, but Nature concentrated?
History is of two kinds—there is the official history taught in schools, a lying compilation ad usum delphini; and there is the secret history which deals with the real causes of events—a scandalous chronicle.