Deirdre of the Sorrows  (Paperback, J. M. Synge)

"Droll Stories" is known for its ribald humor, wit, and satire. The tales are set in medieval and Renaissance France and feature a colorful cast of characters, including monks, nobles, knights, and peasants. Balzac uses these characters to lampoon various aspects of society, religion, and human folly. The stories in "Droll Stories" are often filled with irreverent and exaggerated humor, and they explore themes of lust, gluttony, deceit, and the absurdity of human behavior. Many of the tales are filled with double entendre, wordplay, and playful language. One of the recurring characters in the collection is Gargantua, a giant and a central figure in Rabelais's works as well. Balzac's portrayal of Gargantua adds an element of continuity with the literary tradition of earlier French satirical literature. "Droll Stories" was a departure from Balzac's more serious and realistic novels, and it allowed him to showcase his talent for humor and parody. The collection reflects Balzac's fascination with French history and his desire to engage with the literary heritage of his country. While "Droll Stories" is not as well-known as some of Balzac's other works, it remains an interesting and entertaining part of his literary output. It offers readers a glimpse into Balzac's versatility as a writer and his ability to adapt his style to different genres and modes of storytelling.