1844 Anatole France was born

170 years ago, on April 16, 1844, the French writer Anatole France (Francois Anatole Thibault) was born, who became famous mainly for his satirical and historical novels. In 1921, he received the Nobel Prize "for brilliant literary achievements, marked by sophistication of style, deeply suffered humanism and a truly Gallic temperament." The writer also showed this temperament in public life: for example, he was among the fighters for justice in the Dreyfus case. Frans adhered to socialist views, took part in the organization of public universities, lectured to workers, participated in rallies organized by leftist forces, and was a close friend of the socialist leader Jean Jaurès.