Balzac

This fictionalised biography, on which Zweig worked for more than the last ten years of his life, was intended to be his magnum opus. He did not manage to finish the work to his satisfaction, but his friend, the writer Richard Friedenthal, published it in a complete form in 1946. And it proved to be Zweig's seminal work, for his Balzacian monography itself has the parameters of a great novel.

Zweig portrays Balzac with psychological conviction, often in remarkable contrasts, ambiguously, and often in a not entirely flattering way. He has a particular understanding of his creative genius, immense will, and diligence, but he also sees a number of human weaknesses, sometimes ridiculous or bizarre. He also proves to be a great connoisseur of Balzac's extensive literary work. Zweig's highly impressive descriptions, his often masterly formulations, and penetrating metaphors make reading the biography an extraordinary experience. It is clear that Zweig put a great deal of study, energy, empathy, and the very best of his talent into his work. Anyone who reads this impressive biography, this profound work of art, will be moved by it.