Honorius Balzac, *The Human Comedy*. Vol. IV: *The Poor Relatives*, Part 2: *Cousin Pons* [1883]

Year of publication: 1883. Library of the Finest Works of European Literature. French Literature.

Format: 21 cm.

Volume: 265, [1] pp. (4 pages missing).

Binding: Half-leather.

“Cousin Pons,” together with “Cousin Bietka,” forms the diptych “The Poor Relatives” (1847), one of Balzac’s final works in the “Human Comedy” series. It is the story of an old, lonely collector who is besieged by relatives eager to take over his collection. Balzac shows how greed destroys a person, while sensitivity and passion prove defenseless. In this edition, the title retains its original form, “The Pons Cousins”; in later translations, including that by Boy-Żeleński, the title “Cousin Pons” became established. Translated by Teresa Prażmowska (1842–1912).

There is a stamp on the title page. The paper is discolored in places, several pages are frayed, and 4 pages are missing.

An item from the 18th Polish Antiquarian Book Auction.