Seraphita

By Honoré de Balzac

Book Overview

Experience Honore de Balzac's exploration of metaphysical realms in "Seraphita," a classic of French fiction now available in a meticulously prepared print edition. This enduring work, a brilliant example of fantasy and literary fiction, delves into profound questions of existence. Balzac's unique narrative transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling, inviting readers on an unforgettable journey. "Seraphita" remains a powerful and thought-provoking example of classic literature, translated into English for a wider audience. Discover the timeless appeal of this exceptional work, a cornerstone of French literary tradition. Perfect for readers seeking an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1022993984
• ISBN13: 9781022993983
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

unforgettable portrait of spiritual attainment

One of the very greatest achievements of European literature. A pair of lovers transcend every conceivable spiritual obstacle to transcend their very sexual identities, becoming one with one another in the most refined and lofty circumstances imaginable. And you believe it, if you are ready. Balzac's and the reader's Mt. Everest, equaled but not surpassed by Holderlin's HYPERION and other great contemporaneous works of German romanticism.

Swedenborgian aesthetics

The opening of this book is one of the most sublime and lovely scenes in French literature. It is the description of an ascent up a Norwegian fjord by a girl and an other-worldy being,and, as Gautier said, "He has used no colors but the pure blue of the sky, the white of the snow, and a few pearly tints for the shadows." The rest of the book involves long didactic sermons, but as the sermons pertain to Swedenborgian theology, they are aestheitcally gratifying as well as instructive.Amateurs may be confused by the character of Seraphita/Seraphitus, who continually fluctuates between both genders, and some may fail to see how this all relates to the Human Comedy, but I think most readers will be entirely capable of enjoying and comprehending this wonderful novel.