Elémir Bourges

Born in Manosque in 1852, this French writer later moved to Paris and worked as a journalist before making his name in literature. He became known for fiction that pushed back against the narrower side of Naturalism and aimed instead for something more dramatic, poetic, and intense.

His work is often associated with the Decadent and Symbolist movements, and Le Crépuscule des dieux is usually cited as his best-known novel. In 1923 he received the Prix Goncourt and was also a member of the Académie Goncourt, a sign of the respect he earned late in life.

He died in 1925. Though never the most widely read novelist of his era, he has kept a strong reputation among readers interested in the darker, more visionary side of French literature.