Marguerite Yourcenar

Marguerite Yourcenar (1903-1987) was a French novelist and essayist known for her historical fiction and philosophical writings. She was the first woman to be elected to the Académie française in 1980. Her most notable works include "Memoirs of Hadrian" (1951), a fictionalized memoir of the Roman emperor, and "The Abyss" (1968), a collection of essays on various topics.

Yourcenar's writing style is characterized by its intellectual depth, meticulous research, and lyrical prose. She often explored themes of identity, power, and mortality in her works. Her contributions to literature include challenging traditional gender roles and redefining the historical novel genre.

"Memoirs of Hadrian" remains Yourcenar's most famous work, praised for its vivid depiction of ancient Rome and its insightful reflections on life and leadership. It has since become a classic of historical fiction and a testament to Yourcenar's literary legacy.