Old Man Goriot
Old Man Goriot by Honore de Balzac, published by Penguin Publishing Group on March 29, 2011, is a classic work of fiction that delves into the complexities of family life and societal ambition. Set in a dingy Parisian boarding house, the narrative follows Monsieur Goriot, whose initial wealth earns him respect, but as his fortunes decline, he becomes increasingly isolated. The story intertwines the lives of Goriot with those of his two daughters and fellow lodgers, including the aspiring social climber Eugene Rastignac and the mysterious Vautrin, creating a rich tapestry of human relationships and societal critique.
Readers will find a vivid portrayal of bourgeois Parisian society in the years following the French Revolution, exploring themes of love, money, self-sacrifice, and ambition. Balzac weaves a compelling narrative that examines the darker aspects of human nature and the pursuit of wealth. This first edition spans 336 pages and is presented in English, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in classic literature and the intricacies of family dynamics.
Official synopsis Publisher
Monsieur Goriot is one of a disparate group of lodgers at Mademe Vauquer’s dingy Parisian boarding house. At first his wealth inspires respect, but as his circumstances are mysteriously reduced he becomes shunned by those around him, and soon his only remaining visitors are his two beautifully dressed daughters. Goriot’s fate is intertwined with two other fellow boarders: the young social climber Eugene Rastignac, who sees a way to gain the acceptance and wealth he craves, and the enigmatic figure of Vautrin, who is hiding darker secrets than anyone. Weaving a compelling and panoramic story of love, money, self-sacrifice, corruption, greed and ambition, Old Man Goriot is Balzac’s acknowledged masterpiece. A key novel in his Comédie Humaine series, it is a vividly realized portrait of bourgeois Parisian society in the years following the French Revolution.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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