author
Gaston Lavalley
1834–1922
A French writer, historian, and art historian, he devoted much of his work to the history, monuments, and legends of Normandy. He also served for many years as chief curator of the library in Caen, bringing a librarian’s care and a storyteller’s eye to local history.
2 Audiobooks
Légendes Normandes
by Gaston Lavalley
About the author
Born in Vouilly on November 29, 1834, Gaston Lavalley studied law before turning toward literary and historical work. He became chief curator of the library in Caen in 1870, a role that placed him close to the archives, books, and local records that shaped much of his writing.
Lavalley is remembered as a French writer, historian, and art historian with a strong attachment to Normandy. His books range from regional legends and historical narratives to studies of Caen’s monuments and the cultural life of the region, making him a lively guide to Norman history for general readers as well as specialists.
Library and reference sources identify him as having died in Caen on January 25, 1924, even though some older listings give 1922. No suitable verified portrait image was found from the sources checked, so none is included here.