The question of how much coffee Honoré de Balzac drank is one that has intrigued scholars, historians and lovers of literature for centuries. As a hugely prolific author and creator of the acclaimed Comédie Humaine series, Balzac has captivated so many through his works, though many are unaware of the amount of caffeine he was consuming to produce them. This article aims to provide a detailed look at the renowned author’s relationship with coffee, the amount he may have drunk and the possible reasons for such in-depth reliance on the drink.
Though it is believed that Balzac did not begin drinking coffee until the age of 25, records note that following his introduction to the beverage during a visit to relatives in Montpellier, he swiftly began consuming it to an excessive degree. According to reports, he consumed an impressive 50 cups of coffee each of the fifty days, leading him to become increasingly reliant on the energising effects of the drink.
One anecdote purports that in his old age, Balzac was said to have drunk an astounding 60 cups of the beverage each day. This amount of caffeine is considered immeasurably dangerous, with the author’s actions being described as all but a form of ‘self-poisoning’. However, it is also worth noting that some accounts have suggested that Balzac actually drank significantly less coffee than is reported, with estimates of his intake as low as fifteen cups a day.
The sense of urgency and freneticism that many of Balzac’s works posses can hint at the effects of his coffee consumption. Indeed, many of his novels detail the effects of a world overpowered by a sense of urgency and haste, often detailing what many regard as a cultural crisis of modern day society. In many of his works, he notes the deterioration of values and the vast increase of speed being experienced and observed within society, which can render his works surprisingly prescient.
It can be argued that in many ways, Balzac’s precise and precise writing style may have been informed by his relationship with coffee, as the effects of such a high caffeine intake are often described as ‘heightened sense of creativity’ and a ‘persistence to major on details’. By harnessing this feeling of pleasure and euphoria associated with drinking, Balzac was able to continue writing for his numerous projects, and in doing so managed to complete a vast number of works, some of which are still seen as some of the most iconic works of literature produced.
The Effects of Balzac’s Coffee Consumption
The effects of drinking such a large amount of coffee have been discussed by medical professionals, with many arguing that in a sense, Balzac was essentially ‘torturing himself’, possibly driven by a desire to work further and quicker than ever before. This idea is not limited to Balzac either, as a number of other authors such as Hemingway, Poe and Verlaine have also described using coffee to fuel their writing process.
The side effects of taking such a high dose of caffeine can include exhaustion, paranoia, anxiety and heart palpitations. Balzac experienced several of these side effects himself, with records noting that he would often suffer from lack of sleep, nausea, mild hallucinations and violent mood swings. At times, he even experienced losses of consciousness due to his caffeine-hastened heart rate. As he aged, the depressive effects of such large doses of coffee became more pronounced, particularly upon his deathbed; he no longer wanted to consume the substance, yet was unable to escape the severe symptoms afflicted upon him as a result of many years of his draining habit.
Balzac’s Career and Legacy
Despite the various effects of his coffee consumption, it can be argued that without his in-depth reliance on caffeine, Balzac would be unable to complete the works he did whilst also maintaining a prolific and far reaching literary career. In fact, some argue that it is largely due to his coffee consumption that he was able to work at such an impressive rate, although the same could be said of many of the great writers of the era, whose writing pace was largely determined by the environment they found themselves in.
The selection of works Balzac himself created is nothing short of staggeringly vast, with many going further to argue that it was his reliance on caffeine that allowed him to create such a vast library of literature. His works often commented on the effects caffeine had on society, detailing cultural and social issues that permeated the entire century. As a result, he has become one of the most influential authors in French culture and continues to captivate many people through his writing, despite being vastly different from the worldview of modern day society.
Coffee Consumption in the 21st Century
In the years since Balzac’s period, the consumption of coffee has increased rapidly with many people now relying heavily on the beverage to satisfy their daily caffeine needs. As a result, coffee has become more accessible and is more readily available than ever before, in a variety of different forms. This levelling of access may explain why it has become increasingly popular as a beverage for many in the present day.
As with Balzac, coffee drinking is often linked to creativity, allowing many to fuel their imaginations and ultimately be productive in their respective fields. However, the risk of overconsumption has also been recognised, with many medical professionals noting that the safest way to consume coffee is to drink it in moderation and occasional long boisterous.
The culture of coffee drinking is therefore a complex area, with so many factors to consider and even more influences at play. It is clear that coffee drinking and Balzac’s own life has been a fascinating area of study, and as such, many have taken great pleasure in studying his writings and discovering the secrets of his enigmatic relationship with coffee.
Conclusion
The story of how much coffee Balzac drank is one that has captivated many throughout the world and stands as an interesting case study of how the beverage can both fuel creativity and lead to the depletion of physical health. In his novels and plays, Balzac left much for us to ponder in terms of modern society and the place that coffee holds within it. Indeed, the legacy of his work and his in-depth caffeine consumption will be felt for some time to come.
