Alain Rene Le Sage

Date of Birth: May 6, 1668

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: November 17, 1747

Biography

Alain René Le Sage was a prominent French novelist and playwright, best known for his picaresque novel “Gil Blas.” Born in Sarzeau, Brittany, Le Sage was educated in the Jesuit college at Vannes and later studied law at the University of Paris. Despite his legal education, he was more drawn to the literary arts and eventually left his law practice to pursue writing full-time. Le Sage’s early works included translations and adaptations of Spanish plays and novels, which introduced him to the picaresque style that would become his hallmark. His most famous work, “Gil Blas,” was published in several volumes between 1715 and 1735. The novel’s episodic structure and vivid characterizations made it a cornerstone of French literature and influenced numerous European writers. In addition to “Gil Blas,” Le Sage wrote several other notable works, including “Le Diable boiteux” (1707) and “Turcaret” (1709). His contributions to French literature were recognized during his lifetime, and he enjoyed considerable success and acclaim. Le Sage married Marie Elizabeth Huyard in 1694, and the couple had four children, although only one son, Louis, survived to adulthood. Alain René Le Sage passed away on November 17, 1747, in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

5 Interesting Facts about Alain Rene Le Sage

1. Alain René Le Sage initially trained as a lawyer before turning to literature.

2. His most famous work, “Gil Blas,” took 20 years to complete and was published in multiple volumes.

3. Le Sage’s work was heavily influenced by Spanish literature, particularly the picaresque tradition.

4. Despite his success, Le Sage faced criticism and accusations of plagiarism from some contemporaries.

5. He was a member of the prestigious French literary society, the Académie Française.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alain Rene Le Sage

1. “Every man has his faults; I have and so have you.”

2. “The art of pleasing is the art of deceiving.”

3. “A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit.”

4. “Experience is a good school, but the fees are high.”

5. “He who has imagination without learning has wings but no feet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While comprehensive financial records from the 18th century are scarce, Alain René Le Sage enjoyed considerable success and financial stability during his lifetime due to the popularity of his works.