A Harlot High And Low by Honoré de Balzac

The novel delves into the underbelly of Parisian society, following the life of a cunning and ambitious protagonist who navigates the treacherous waters of crime and power. As a sequel to a previous work, it continues to explore themes of social climbing and moral ambiguity, presenting a complex web of characters from different social strata, including a high-class courtesan whose fortunes rise and fall dramatically. The narrative weaves a tale of deception, love, and betrayal, offering a critical look at the corruption and hypocrisy of 19th-century France, while also examining the intricate relationships between money, politics, and social status.

The 4688th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 90

Since this book was first published in 1839, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 90.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.