This collection of Balzac's works includes a range of stories that display the author's mastery of the realistic novel. From the dark comedy of Gaudissart II to the intense character studies in A Princess's Secrets, these tales offer a glimpse into one of the most innovative literary minds of the 19th century. 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. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Included in this volume: "The Unconscious Mummers," "A Prince of Bohemia," "A Man of Business," "Gaudissart II," "The Firm of Nucingen," "Facino Cane," "A Princess's Secrets," and "Bureaucracy."