This, the first story of the second Decade of Honoré de Balzac’s humorous collection of stories, entitled “The Three Students of St Nicholas’s” by The Folio Society, which has no illustration, seems a deviation in style and content by the author.
The three students are really foils to bring out the jolly, rumbustious, devious, scheming nature of Landlord of the Three Barbels described with rich imagery in the opening paragraphs.
The tale tells of their competition to outwit him and his ultimate response.
I spent some time trying to add Alun Armstrong’s superb performance of “Master of the House” from the 1985 stage musical of Les Misérables ( https://youtu.be/EDSDY9dMwxE ) This was unavailable for transfer, but I recommend it to you if you can view it.
Armstrong could well have modelled for Doré’s 1874 illustration from “The Three Clerks of St Nicholas” as his publisher entitled it.
Those of Jean de Bosschère appear in the similarly entitled publication of 1929 by New York’s Covici, Friede.
Further details of each of these publications is given in https://derrickjknight.com/2023/01/06/droll-tales-1/ except that the second Decade is published by New York’s Covici, Friede in 1929. It is America’s first edition thus and is a limited copy. The illustrations are not protected by tissue but the book’s condition is very good and covered by a cellophane wrapper.
Loved the inclusion of Master of the House video. He really made my day. He really is an unrepentant rascal.
Thank you so much, Pat. I’m pleased you could view it
Me too.
The landlord bears a resemblance to someone I know! ????
emoji inserted from Windows and not from an Apple device
Thanks very much, Sue 🙂
Haha, my emoji theory was just proved wrong.
I watched the Youtube clip by copying the link and pasting into my browser.
I love Alun Armstrong, but didn’t realise he was also a musical actor.
Well done for following the link. Me, too, but then so many of them 5turn out top be able to sing and dance. Thanks very much, Sue
Great illustrations!
And thanks for sharing the link! I enjoy Les Misérables…whether it be on stage or in movie form.
(((HUGS)))
PS…
“He never went out without a book under his arm, and he often came back with two.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Thank you very much, Carolyn. I’m pleased you could get the link X
interesting the illustrations don’t get picked on by the “watchdogs”… kudos you are doing a lot of work.
Thank you so much, Q
That is a funny resemblance between the actor and illustration.
We have seen the musical Les Misérables several times live and on TV–including daughter’s high school performance. Her boyfriend at the time played Monsieur Thénardier.
Thank you very much, Merril. I’m pleased you got to see the video
I copied and pasted the link.
I loved the Alun Armstrong performance! It was the highlight of my day. Thank you for posting it.
I’m so pleased, Liz. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick. 🙂
Thank you for including the video, Derrick. I was able to view it.
I’m pleased, Lavinia. Thank you very much
I saw ‘Master of the House’ performed locally by a group of very competent actors. It was excellent and I will never forget it!
Thanks very much, Diane
Loved, loved, loved the clip! (cut and paste into my browser)
I’m very pleased, Gwen. Thanks a lot
Truly magnificent performance; thank you for including the link, Derrick.
I’m pleased you thought so, Dolly. Thank you very much
The pleasure is mine, Derrick.