Lost Illusions (Part 1)

Honoré de Balzac

⏱ 8 minFrench classic

Part 1 of 2. A gifted, weak young provincial poet is carried to Paris and seduced by its literary world, venal journalism, a beautiful actress, a brief blaze of fame and a swift, ruinous fall. Balzac's great novel of ambition.

Listen to the whole of Lost Illusions (Part 1) in about 8 minutes — professionally narrated, with Apple-Music-style synced subtitles. One book free every day; Folio Premium unlocks the entire library.