Maximilien dit Max Buchon (1810-1869)
Born in Salins-les-Bains, he wrote novels depicting local life and scenes in a very realistic way. In those days, life for the winegrowers, peasants and villagers was difficult: he knew how to depict these lives, marked by joys and sorrows, with the right words. As a lover of his region, he wrote many beautiful descriptions. He also wrote poetry and translated works by Hebel, Gotthelf and Grimm. A convinced Fourierist, he had important links with Gustave Courbet, who painted a fine portrait of him, and maintained a close friendship with Max Claudet.
Marcel Aymé (1902-1967)
Born in Joigny in the Yonne region, his parents were originally from the Jura. He studied in Dole and published his first novel in 1926: Brûlebois, which, like some of his other novels, is set in a village or town in the Comtois region. His other works include Le Passe-muraille, La Vouivre, La Jument verte and Uranus. Some of his works have been adapted for the cinema.
Louis Pergaud (1882-1915)
Born in Belmont (Doubs), a schoolteacher, he wrote short stories and poems. He won the Prix Goncourt in 1910 for his novel De Goupil à Margot. His novel La Guerre des boutons (The War of the Buttons), which has been adapted several times for the cinema, delightfully depicts two rivalries between imaginary villages.
Bernard Clavel (1923-2010)
Born in Lons-le-Saunier, this acclaimed novelist won the Prix Goncourt in 1968 for Les Fruits de l'hiver. His best-known works include L'Espagnol and Malataverne. He was a writer with no fewer than a hundred books to his credit, as well as articles, essays and personal accounts.
Book in the loop
This is a major annual literary event. Usually held in September, it takes place in several locations in Besançon. Each year, the presidency is given to a renowned author. No fewer than 200 authors are expected to take part in these intense moments of sharing. The festival features a number of high points due to the renown of the participants, presenting their work as well as the latest releases. It's a literary event not to be missed, as summed up in this sentence from the website: "Exchanging, enjoying, discovering or rediscovering the beauty and power of words, that's what Livres dans la Boucle will be offering this autumn to all lovers of fine literature".
Let's talk boxes...
The Cousance Comics Festival has been running for over 30 years. Usually in December, the cultural town puts the little boxes in the big ones! Many renowned authors come to present their works. There are also a host of "satellite" activities: face painting, balloon sculpting, reading areas, board games, new and second-hand book fairs. A stopover at the lively "Guinguette" is a must, where lively discussions are the order of the day. A cultural event that tries to diversify its artistic horizons.
Jean-Charles-Emmanuel Nodier (1780-1844)
Born in Besançon, he made his literary debut in 1810. He was a novelist, poet and playwright. A librarian in 1797, he was certainly a remarkable bibliophile. He was a key figure in the birth of the Romantic movement.
Father Jean Garneret (1907-2002)
Born in Clerval, Doubs. He was a passionate lover of rural society in general, and the Comtoise in particular. He published numerous books and studies, illustrated with his highly realistic drawings. Thanks to him, we have an important source of documentation on the region and its rich rural heritage. He was behind the Musée Comtois at the Besançon Citadel and the Musée des Maisons Comtoises in Nancray. To read and consult : La Maison du Montagnon and La Maison rurale.
Annie Gay
Born in Haute-Marne, she is a qualified history teacher. Her professional career took her to the Jura, where she still lives. In love with the department, she has published numerous works on its history, as well as fictionalized historical accounts. She has also staged several shows depicting episodes from Jura history. Her last two books invite us to discover the Francs-comtois who made history, and the high points of history in Franche-Comté. His contributions and publications are important and the fruit of rigorous work.
Paul-Emile Victor (1907-1995)
Born by chance in Geneva, he spent his youth in Lons-le-Saunier, where his parents ran a pipe and pen factory. His refuge was his attic, dedicated to reading, writing and drawing. He attended the Ecole Nationale Maritime in Marseille, then moved to Paris to study ethnology. His meeting with Commandant Charcot was to prove a turning point in his life. He embarked with him and spent a year on the coast of Greenland. One voyage and expedition followed another. He published a number of specialized works, including one for children: Apoutsiak, the little snowflake, with beautiful drawings by the author. In 1958, he discovered Tahiti, where he ended his days on Bora-Bora.
Xavier Marmier (1808-1892)
Born in Pontarlier. This man of letters was a great traveler and translator of northern European literature. He introduced France to the countries he visited. His work is significant: most of his books deal with his travels.
