Edmond About

Edmond About Biography

Edmond François Valentin About (14 February 1828 – 16 January 1885) was a French novelist, journalist, and critic renowned for his satirical wit and keen observations of contemporary society. Born in Dieuze, in the Lorraine region of France, About demonstrated exceptional academic abilities from a young age. In 1848, he entered the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris, ranking second in his admission year, just behind Hippolyte Taine.

After completing his studies, About joined the French School at Athens in 1851, where he spent two years immersing himself in classical studies and archaeology. This experience profoundly influenced his literary career, providing rich material for his later works. Upon returning to France, he published La Grèce contemporaine (1855), a critical and witty account of modern Greece that garnered immediate attention and established his reputation as a sharp observer and writer.

In 1855, About released his novel Tolla, which faced criticism for its similarities to an earlier Italian work, leading to accusations of plagiarism. Despite this controversy, he continued to produce a diverse array of writings, including novels, short stories, plays, pamphlets, and numerous articles. His notable works include Le Roi des montagnes (1857), a satirical novel set in Greece, and L'Homme à l'oreille cassée (1862), a humorous science fiction tale.

About's writing is characterized by its clarity, wit, and satirical edge, often critiquing societal norms and political issues of his time. Beyond literature, he was an active journalist and publicist, contributing to various newspapers and engaging in public debates. His outspoken views and satirical style occasionally led to conflicts with authorities and contemporaries.

Edmond About passed away on 16 January 1885 in Paris, leaving behind a substantial body of work that continues to be studied for its literary merit and insightful commentary on 19th-century French society.

Trivia About Edmond About

• About was a member of the French Academy, elected in 1884, shortly before his death.
• He was known for his sharp wit and was often compared to Voltaire for his satirical style.
• About's novel Le Roi des montagnes was adapted into a film in 1962.
• He was a contemporary and sometimes rival of authors like Gustave Flaubert and Émile Zola.

Famous Quotes by Edmond About

• "Marriage is the only known example of the happy meeting of the immovable object and the irresistible force."
• "To be witty is not enough. One must possess sufficient wit to avoid having too much of it."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Edmond About?

Edmond About was a French novelist, journalist, and critic known for his satirical writings and keen observations of 19th-century society.

What are some of his notable works?

Some of About's notable works include Le Roi des montagnes, L'Homme à l'oreille cassée, and La Grèce contemporaine.

What themes did About explore in his writings?

About's writings often explored themes of societal norms, political issues, and human folly, all conveyed with a satirical and witty style.

Related Literary Movements

Edmond About is associated with literary realism and satire, influencing and being influenced by contemporaries such as Gustave Flaubert and Émile Zola.

Explore more about Edmond About on eBookTakeAway.