Five of the author's most highly regarded stories, newly translated, appear in this choice collection: the title story, an examination of the conflict between an artist's commitment to his work and his obligations to others; "An Episode During the Terror," a contrast of material poverty and spiritual riches; "Facino Cane" a cautionary tale of how a passion for gold led to a fall from grace. Included also are "The Revolutionary Conscript" and "A Passion in the Desert." Excellent introduction to Balzac's work.
