Lost Illusions

Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac is a novel that follows the rise and fall of the young poet Lucien Chardon in Paris. The story explores themes of ambition, corruption, and the harsh realities of the literary and social worlds of Paris. It is part of Balzac's larger series, "La Comédie Humaine," which provides a comprehensive picture of French society during the Restoration period.