René Bazin

Born in Angers on December 26, 1853, René Bazin was a French novelist, journalist, essayist, and professor of law. He taught at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest in Angers and also wrote books of travel, including À l’aventure, Sicile, and Terre d’Espagne.

Bazin became widely known for novels that explored religious conviction, rural life, family, and social change. His notable works include Une Tache d’Encre, The Earth That Dies (La Terre qui meurt), The Oberlé Family (Les Oberlé), Douce France, and Davidée Birot.

He was elected to the Académie française on June 18, 1903, succeeding Ernest Legouvé, and remained a respected figure in French literary life until his death in Paris on July 20, 1932.