Alain René Le Sage

Born in Sarzeau, Brittany, in 1668, Alain-René Le Sage became one of the notable French writers of the early 18th century. He studied law but moved toward a literary career, eventually making his living by his pen at a time when that was far from easy.

He is best remembered for the picaresque novel Gil Blas, published in parts between 1715 and 1735, as well as for The Devil upon Two Sticks and the comedy Turcaret. His work is known for its humor, brisk storytelling, and sharp eye for social pretension, greed, and human weakness.

Le Sage also wrote for the theater and helped shape popular comic writing in France. He died in Boulogne-sur-Mer in 1747, but his stories have lasted because they are energetic, funny, and full of recognizable human behavior.