
The Splendors and Miseries of Courtesans is a novel by the French classical writer Honoré de Balzac, published in 1838. The work is part of the series The Human Comedy. The protagonist Lucien de Rubempré who first appeared in the novel Lost Illusions now belongs to high society. Unfortunately, he is not free to act because he depends on Abbot Carlos Herrera, a former fugitive convict. Following Carlos' desires, Lucien has to court the Duke's wealthy heiress, which results in something far from the best outcome.