Originally published in 1921, this book contains the French text of five of Balzac's most well-known short stories: 'Le Curé de Tours', 'Jésus-Christ en Flandre', 'Le Chef-d'Oeuvre Inconnu', 'L'Auberge Rouge' and 'La Messe de l'Athée'. The collection is introduced by Tilley's analysis of Balzac as an author of short stories.