The Stones of Paris in History and Letters, Volume 2 (of 2)

Chapter 10: FOOTNOTE

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About This Book

The volume traces the social and architectural history of Parisian neighborhoods on the left bank and in the Marais, combining neighborhood surveys with portraits of nineteenth-century literary and political figures such as Balzac, Dumas, Victor Hugo, Guizot, de Tocqueville, and Lamartine. It interleaves description of streets, hôtels, colleges, and commemorative sites with biographical sketches, episodes about residences and institutions, and consideration of urban change from medieval walls to modern boulevards. Illustrated plates and topical chapters examine the transformation of the Faubourg Saint-Germain, the Scholars' Quarter, and the role of women in the Marais.

FOOTNOTE

[1] Just as Balzac was a victim of calumny during life, so, since death, has he suffered from carelessness. It is almost impossible to make sure of incidents and dates in his career. These errors begin with his birth, which is placed on the 20th May by many writers, and is so cut on the memorial tablet in Paris. In this text, his birth-date is fixed on the 16th May, on the strength of his family records, and the statements of his life-long friends. Of these, some say that he was born on the 27 Floréal, and others on the day of Saint-Honoré. No figuring can make these dates fall on any other day than the 16th May. As for the many conflicting statements concerning him that have been handed down, in the absence of indisputable evidence, those alone are accepted here which are most nearly in keeping with the proven facts and dates in his life.