6W Ernest F. Henderson, 1909. Inscribed by the author

Notes

A Lady of the Old Regime (1907) by Honoré de Balzac is a novella that explores the life and experiences of a French aristocrat, Madame de Langeais, during the period leading up to the French Revolution. Balzac, known for his keen insights into social and political dynamics, uses this character to reflect on the societal changes and moral complexities of the time.

The story revolves around Madame de Langeais, a woman who is both admired and envied for her beauty, wealth, and social standing. Her interactions with a suitor, General de Montriveau, form the core of the narrative, exploring themes of love, power, and the rigid social structures of the aristocracy. The novella is part of Balzac’s larger work, La Comédie Humaine, which portrays a vast array of French society. A Lady of the Old Regime provides a glimpse into the fading world of the French nobility just before the revolutionary upheavals of the late 18th century.

 Description

Blue cloth with gold embossing. Signed and inscribed by author.