Droll Stories Selected Tales

Droll Stories Selected Tales by Honore de Balzac, published by Courier Dover Publications on January 16, 2019, is a reprint edition comprising 176 pages in English. This collection features choice selections from Balzac’s Droll Stories, presenting a lively and lusty portrait of sixteenth-century French life and manners. The tales, originally published in the 1830s, draw inspiration from the storytelling traditions of Boccaccio, Chaucer, and Rabelais, showcasing episodes of good-humored licentiousness that both scandalized Balzac’s contemporaries and continue to engage modern readers.

Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as romance and eroticism within these short stories, which reflect the social dynamics of their time. Balzac’s work is noted for its multifaceted characters and meticulous attention to detail, making this collection a significant contribution to world literature. The stories are rooted in the cultural context of 19th-century France, offering insights into the era’s customs and behaviors. This edition serves as an accessible introduction to Balzac’s storytelling for English-speaking audiences.