The book includes parts of the “Human Comedy” that are little known to the modern Russian reader. Not inferior in insight and knowledge of human nature to the authors of books on “applied psychology” that are fashionable these days, Balzac significantly surpasses them in wit, historical erudition and stylistic skill. Historians and sociologists will find here rich material for thought, lovers of “helpful advice” will gain information about how “a man can be happy with one woman all his life” and what true elegance is, and simply readers will enjoy getting acquainted with a brilliant literary monument .