Lost Illusions

<p><strong>Balzac is regarded as one of the founders of realism in European literature.</strong> He is renowned for his multi-faceted characters; even his lesser characters are complex morally ambiguous and fully human. Inanimate objects are imbued with character as well; the city of Paris a backdrop for much of his writing takes on many human qualities. </p><p><em>Lost Illusions</em> concerns Lucien de Rubempré a young poet trying to make a name for himself who becomes trapped in the morass of society's darkest contradictions that ultimately destroy him.</p>