Lost Illusions — in French, Illusions perdues — is a serial novel by French writer Honoré de Balzac, written between 1837 and 1843. It consists of three parts, starting in provincial France, thereafter, moving to Paris, and finally returning to the provinces. It forms part of The Human Comedy (La Comedie Humaine). Young, handsome poet Lucien Chardon is poor and naive, but highly ambitious. He is taken up by a patroness, Madame de Bargeton, and enters the glamorous but dangerous beau monde of Paris. Lost Illusions is considered one of the greatest novels in his Human Comedy, Balzac’s panoramic social and moral history of his times. A thrilling literary classic on its own and a great vehicle for a lively discussion. Book: Lost Illusions by Honore de Balzac. Moncreiffe Press edition. ISBN-13 : 979-8475888810. Approx. $17.
