Set in the flourishing Paris of the early 1800's, Cousin Bette is considered one of Balzac's greatest novels and an essential work in his Comedie Humaine. With his characteristically scrupulous attention to detail, Blazac paints a historical backdrop that captures the significant changes in industry and economy faced by post-Napoleonic France, a world in which Balzac saw rampant greed and selfishness. These vices become the catalysts for Balzac's title character to concoct a devilish plan to take revenge on her condescending family, turning their own shortcomings against them. Lisbeth Fisher - or Cousin Better, as she is referred to- has been repeatedly passed over in favor of her more beautiful cousin, Adeline Hulot. But when another member of the Hulot family marries one of Bette's former lovers, a jealous Bette attempts to manipulate the people and circumstances around her to bring down the entire Hulot clan. One of Balzac's most memorable characters and novels, Cousin Bette is a masterful mix of psychology and literature.