About
Edmond de Goncourt (1822-1896) was a French writer, known for his literary collaboration with his brother Jules. Together, they wrote naturalist novels such as Germinie Lacerteux (1864) and art criticism that rehabilitated 18th-century painters. After Jules's death in 1870, Edmond continued alone, publishing novels and studies on Japanese art. His Journal, kept from 1851 until his death, is a major chronicle of Parisian literary and social life. He bequeathed his fortune to found the Académie Goncourt, which awards the prize of the same name.
* 1822-05-26 — † 1896-07-16
Major works
- Germinie Lacerteux (1864)novel
- Charles Demailly (1860)novel
- Manette Salomon (1867)novel
- L'Art du XVIIIe siècle (1859)art criticism
- Journal des Goncourt (1887)diary
Key milestones
- 1851Beginning of the Journal des Goncourt with his brother Jules.
- 1870Death of his brother Jules, ending their collaboration.
- 1903Foundation of the Académie Goncourt through his bequest, which awards the Prix Goncourt.
Themes
Naturalism18th-century artJapanese artParisian lifeSiblinghood
Sources: data.bnf.fr · britannica.com