The Wild Ass’s Skin
novel by Balzac
Also known as: “La Peau de chagrin”
The Wild Ass’s Skin, novel by Honoré de Balzac, published in two volumes in 1831 as La Peau de chagrin and later included as part of the Études philosophiques section of La Comédie humaine (The Human Comedy). A poor young writer, Raphael de Valentin, is given a magical ass’s skin that will grant his wishes—for a price. With each wish granted, the skin shrinks and the owner’s life is shortened. Forced to choose between self-sacrifice...
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