The constant cold we are currently experiencing at home is becoming energy sapping enough for me to stay indoors and read more of Balzac’s Droll Tales.
The Folio Society have opted for the title Last Word for the tenth tale in the first Decade of Honoré de Balzac’s characteristically amusing stories.
This is a short account of unrequited lust, teasing temptation, crafty cuckolding, hopeless hatred and craving for vengeance, in what is presented as a warning lesson.
Here is Mervyn Peake’s sensitive illustration to the Folio Society edition.
Gustave Doré’s publishers have named the story “The Reproach”,
while the Bodley Head, for whom Jean de Bosschère provided the picture, prefer “The Rebuke”.
Further details of each of these publications is given in https://derrickjknight.com/2023/01/06/droll-tales-1/
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s flavoursome chicken and vegetable stewp with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Syrah.
The illustrations are fascinating Derick …
Thank you very much, Ivor
I know what it feels like to constantly feel the cold and it’s not funny. However, I’ve not been in your circumstances where it has lasted for months. I sympathise with you all.
Thank you so much, Sue X
From your descriptions of the tales, I would say that the Mervyn Peake illustrations of most representative of their droll nature.
You are right, Liz – as so often. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick. 🙂
I do hope the weather turns warm for you and Jackie. To be so cold for so long is not good for either of you. A little more than a week to go, and hopefully they will fix it for good, or at least fix it enough to limp it along until it can be replaced.
Thank you very much, Lavinia. Limping won’t be acceptable. The boiler and system (above ground, anyway) is not yet 5 years old.
I’m always glad to see these illustrations that you share, Derrick. I was just talking with a co-worker about how adult books with drawings and sketches are lost to the past.
I can’t believe these ongoing problems with the boiler, and I bet you can’t either. Being cold is no joke!
Thank you so much, Gwen
At least you have a good excuse to cuddle under a blanket while you are reading!
Exactly. Thanks very much, Anne
Thank you for the interesting (droll) excerpts, Derrick. But what really caught my interest was the painting—lovely choice of colors!
Thank you very much, Diane
It’s horrible that you all have been without heat for so long. 🙁
I always enjoy seeing the illustrations you choose to share. I’ve always admired and appreciated book illustrations and their artists.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
For me, there’s quite a sharp contrast here between Jean de Bosschère as an artist, and Gustave Doré, the very famous artist. The latter had just so much talent!
Quite so, John. Thank you very much
I was as fascinated by the different titles as the illustrations–rebuke and reproach so different.
I’m sorry you’re still dealing with a cold house.
Thanks very much, Merril.
I spend the coldest parts of the year, thanks to a poorly heated/ insulated apartment, under covers and over-dressed so I can appreciate your current status! Stay warm and enjoy the read.
Oh it’s cold, perfect time to read and drink a hot cup of coffee🥰
when you say cold, is it damp too?
Not so, but condensation runs down the bedroom walls after a night’s breathing sleep. Thanks very much, Q
Love this iteration of the Droll Tales. I’m appalled that you still don’t have heal, this has gone on much too long. Hope they can get it fixed this time. At least the oven works so you and Jackie can get regular warm meals.
Thank you so much, Pat
Thought-provoking illustration. I wish winter is short; just a few months is all I can stand.
Yours seems worse than ours, which is normally comparatively mild, Byung. Thank you very much
Yes, our winter is long and harsh and windy.
The illustrations are fascinating, Derrick. I can’t believe you still don’t have heat but at least you have Jackie’s delicious meals to look forward to.
Thank you so much, Eugi
Most welcome, Derrick.
Sounds like a peaceful day, topped off by Jackie’s flavoursome chicken and vegetable stew… Life is good!
Thank you so much, Jan