Publisher's Synopsis
The Commission In Lunacy by Honore De Balzac is a novel set in 19th century France, which explores the theme of mental illness and the legal system. The story follows the life of a wealthy heiress, Madame de la Chanterie, who is declared insane by her relatives in order to gain control of her fortune. The Commission in Lunacy is appointed to investigate her case and determine whether she is truly insane or not. The novel delves into the corrupt practices of the legal system and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals for financial gain. The story also explores the psychological impact of being declared insane and the mistreatment of patients in mental institutions. Through the character of Madame de la Chanterie, Balzac highlights the importance of empathy and compassion towards those suffering from mental illness. The Commission In Lunacy is a thought-provoking novel that raises questions about the nature of sanity and the power dynamics within society.By the end of the second year of his apostolic work, Popinot had turned the storeroom at the bottom of his house into a parlor, lighted by the three iron-barred windows. The walls and ceiling of this spacious room were whitewashed, and the furniture consisted of wooden benches like those seen in schools, a clumsy cupboard, a walnut-wood writing-table, and an armchair. In the cupboard were his registers of donations.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
