Cousin Bette (The World’s Classics)

Cousin Bette by Honoré de Balzac, published by Oxford University Press on June 18, 1992, is presented in this edition with 528 pages in English. This novel, regarded as one of Balzac’s last significant works, is an integral part of his Comedie humaine. It is set against the backdrop of prosperous Paris during the reign of Louis-Philippe and explores the themes of jealousy and familial conflict through the lens of a woman’s relentless campaign against her relatives.

Readers will find a detailed narrative that reflects the social and historical intricacies of contemporary France. The story delves into the motivations and actions of a jealous woman as she orchestrates her vendetta within her family. This edition includes an introduction by David Bellos, which provides context to the work’s significance in literature and its depiction of Parisian life. The book’s exploration of familial dynamics and societal structures offers insight into the complexities of human relationships in a specific historical setting.