About
Jules Renard, born Pierre-Jules Renard, was a French novelist, playwright, and diarist. Co-founder of the Mercure de France review in 1890, he is known for his laconic and ironic style. His major work, Poil de carotte (1894), draws on his unhappy childhood. He also published Histoires naturelles (1896) and L'Écornifleur (1892). Elected to the Académie Goncourt in 1907 and socialist mayor of Chitry-les-Mines in 1904, he left a Journal (1887-1910) published posthumously, considered his masterpiece.
* 1864-02-22 — † 1910-05-22
Major works
- L'Écornifleur (1892)novel
- Poil de carotte (1894)novel
- Histoires naturelles (1896)collection of animal portraits
- Le Plaisir de rompre (1898)play
- Journal (1925)diary
Key milestones
- 1890Co-founds the Mercure de France review.
- 1904Elected socialist mayor of Chitry-les-Mines.
- 1907Elected to the Académie Goncourt.
Themes
Unhappy childhoodIrony and laconismObservation of natureSocial satireEveryday life
Sources: britannica.com · oxfordreference.com