About the book: 2023 / Honoré de Balzac is a great French writer, from whom, according to Leo Tolstoy, “at that time everyone learned to write.” In numerous novels of his “Human Comedy”, he recreated a motley, cruel and multifaceted world, reflecting the life of all classes of contemporary society. The book “Naughty Tales” stands apart in Balzac’s work. This is a collection of playful and funny short stories, stylized after Boccaccio and Rabelais, in which - as opposed to the sad romantic motifs fashionable at that time - Gallic liveliness and gaiety are resurrected, and the action is transferred to the distant past. Vivid, unusual plots, descriptions of refined love affairs, incredible adventures, expressive characters (many of whom are real historical figures, including monarchs and libertines) and excellent humor ensured “Naughty Stories”, despite indignant accusations of obscenity from critics, unfading popularity among the general public. masses of readers. This edition includes all of Balzac’s “mischievous stories,” including five stories that were not published during the author’s lifetime. The texts are accompanied by illustrations by Gustave Doré (1832–1883), whose magnificent, vivid depictions of the characters in Naughty Tales remain unsurpassed. The publication also includes a set of illustrations by the American artist Ralph Barton (1891–1931) and selected illustrations by the French artist Albert Robide (1848–1926), never published in Russia. Contains obscene language.