Louis Lambert by Honoré de Balzac
The Exaltation of the Soul
The book is a philosophical and semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of a precocious and highly intelligent boy who becomes the author's classmate in a provincial boarding school. The boy's profound metaphysical and philosophical musings, influenced by the works of Swedenborg and other mystics, set him apart from his peers and lead him on a quest for transcendental knowledge. As he grows older, his intense intellectual pursuits and his love for a woman named Pauline strain his mental health, ultimately leading to his retreat from society and descent into what is perceived as madness. The novel explores themes of genius, the conflict between materialism and spirituality, and the nature of the human soul.
The 5890th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1832
- Nationality
- French
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 150-200
- Original Language
- French
- Avg User Rating
-
(2.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 2893rd on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)