Written in French
Only one volume in the set
This is a beautifully preserved 1865 edition of La Comédie Humaine by Honoré de Balzac, Volume 7 of the complete works, printed in Paris by Alexandre Houssiaux. This particular volume belongs to the section titled Études de Mœurs, focusing on Scènes de la Vie de Province (Scenes of Provincial Life), and includes the novella La Vieille Fille (“The Old Maid”). Balzac, one of the most significant figures in 19th-century French literature, wrote La Comédie Humaine as a grand literary project to depict every layer of French society in the aftermath of the Revolution and into the Restoration and July Monarchy. In La Vieille Fille, he offers a sharp, ironic portrait of ambition, courtship, and social maneuvering in a small provincial town, where reputations are fragile and alliances are everything. It’s a story rich in both social observation and subtle satire, illustrating Balzac’s fascination with the power struggles hidden beneath the surface of daily life.
The binding of this book is a standout feature: a classic 19th-century French half leather binding with dark blue leather spine and corners, paired with striking blue and brown marbled paper boards. The spine is elegantly gilt with floral motifs, volume markings, and title lettering that remain crisp and vibrant. The top edge is gilt, protecting the pages from dust, and the interior boasts marbled endpapers in excellent condition.
Condition:
The pages themselves are remarkably clean, with minimal toning and no foxing, and the text is sharp and readable throughout. The binding remains tight and square, with only light wear at the joints and edges, suggesting this book was well cared for. Overall, it is a fine and collectible copy that reflects both literary and bookbinding craftsmanship from mid-19th-century France.
