Anatole France

Date of Birth: April 16, 1844

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: October 12, 1924

Biography

Anatole France, born François-Anatole Thibault, was a renowned French novelist, poet, and journalist who gained immense popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on April 16, 1844, in Paris, France, he was the son of a bookseller and developed a deep love for literature at an early age. France’s literary career began with poetry, but he soon turned to novels, where he found his true calling. His works often explored themes of humanism, irony, and skepticism, and he was known for his elegant prose and wit. France’s major works include “Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard” (1881), “Thaïs” (1890), “L’Île des Pingouins” (1908), and “Les Dieux ont soif” (1912). His novel “Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard” won him the prestigious French Academy’s prize, and in 1921, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his literary achievements. France was also an active political voice, supporting causes such as Dreyfus Affair and socialism. He passed away on October 12, 1924, in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Indre-et-Loire, France, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence French literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Anatole France

1. Anatole France was an avid supporter of Alfred Dreyfus during the Dreyfus Affair, a political scandal that divided France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921.

3. France was a member of the French Academy, an institution charged with overseeing the French language.

4. His novel “Thaïs” was adapted into an opera by composer Jules Massenet.

5. Despite his literary success, France was known for his modest lifestyle and was often seen wearing simple clothes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anatole France

1. “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

2. “It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.”

3. “The truth is that life is delicious, horrible, charming, frightful, sweet, bitter, and that is everything.”

4. “Nine tenths of education is encouragement.”

5. “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.”