Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert was a French novelist widely considered the leading exponent of literary realism both in his home country and abroad. He is best known for his debut novel, Madame Bovary, published in 1857, as well as his extensive correspondence and his scrupulous devotion to style and aesthetics.

Throughout his career, Flaubert served as a mentor to the celebrated writer Guy de Maupassant, who was his protégé.