Marcel Boulenger

Born in Paris on September 9, 1873, Marcel Boulenger was a French writer whose career included novels, stories, essays, and journalism. He was active in the literary life of his time and received major recognition for his work, including the Prix Montyon from the Académie française in 1918 and the Prix Stendhal in 1919.

Boulenger was also known beyond literature for his skill as a fencer. He competed at a high level and took part in the individual épée event at the 1900 Paris Olympics, an unusual combination of artistic and athletic achievement that helped make him a distinctive public figure.

He died in Chantilly on May 21, 1932. Remembered as both a man of letters and a man of sport, he represents a period in French culture when intellectual life, style, and physical accomplishment often went hand in hand.