About
Jules-Alfred Huot de Goncourt (1830-1870) was a French writer, known for his constant literary collaboration with his elder brother Edmond. Together they wrote major novels such as Germinie Lacerteux (1864), considered a pioneering work of naturalism, and Manette Salomon (1867). They also co-authored L'Art du dix-huitième siècle, a critical study that helped revive interest in 18th-century French painters. In 1851, they began the Journal des Goncourt, a monumental diary that Jules kept with Edmond until his premature death in 1870. In 1867, they conceived the idea of the Prix Goncourt, which was officially established in 1903.
* 1830-12-17 — † 1870-06-20
Major works
- Charles Demailly (1860)novel
- Sœur Philomène (1861)novel
- Renée Mauperin (1864)novel
- Germinie Lacerteux (1864)novel
- Manette Salomon (1867)novel
Key milestones
- 1851Begins the Journal des Goncourt with his brother Edmond.
- 1867Conceives the idea of the Prix Goncourt with Edmond.
- 1870Dies in Auteuil, leaving Edmond to continue the Journal.
Themes
naturalismart criticismsocial historyfraternal collaborationParisian life
Sources: britannica.com · royalacademy.org.uk · expositions.bnf.fr