FLAUBERT Gustave

Gustave Flaubert (1821 Rouen -1880 Canteleu) was a French novelist belonging to the naturalistic movement of the second half of the 19th century. Born in Rouen, he studied law in Paris. Suffering from a nervous disorder, he withdrew to Normandy as early as 1846, in the hamlet of Croisset. He hardly ever traveled from that moment on and dedicated his life to writing. Flaubert wrote novels that played a major part in 19th century literature, including Madame Bovary and Sentimental Education. He also wrote a great number of letters.

Flaubert knew Le Havre, close to his home city, and described it in Sentimental Education and Bouvard et Pécuchet.