Immerse yourself in the world of Two Poets (1837), the opening installment of Balzac’s captivating Lost Illusions trilogy, which is intricately woven into his monumental work, La Comédie Humaine. Set against the backdrop of post-Napoleonic France, the narrative explores the tumultuous clash between the newly emerging bourgeoisie and the fading old aristocracy. We follow Lucien Chardon, an idealistic young man yearning to be a poet, alongside his steadfast friend David Séchard, who is caught between managing his father’s printing business and his deep affection for Lucien’s sister, Ève. This rich portrayal of provincial life unveils a tapestry of ambition, greed, and betrayal. Balzac’s profound influence on the evolution of realism in literature is undeniable, with Oscar Wilde famously stating, “The 19th century, as we know it, is largely an invention of Balzac’s.” The Lost Illusions trilogy stands as one of his crowning achievements and is celebrated in the essential reading list, 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. The other volumes in this trilogy include A Distinguished Provincial at Paris (1839) and Ève and David (1843). (Summary by Bruce Pirie)