Maximilien dit Max Buchon (1810-1869)
Born in Salins-les-Bains, he wrote novels recounting the local life of his time and the scenes that took place there in a very realistic way. At that time, life for this people of winegrowers, peasants or villagers was difficult: he knew how to depict with the right words these lives marked by joys and sorrows. In love with his region, he made very beautiful descriptions of it. We also owe him poetry and translations of Hebel, Gotthelf and Grimm. He was a convinced Fourierist, and had important links with Gustave Courbet who painted a beautiful portrait of him, and he maintained a strong friendship with Max Claudet.
Marcel Aymé (1902-1967)
Born in Joigny in the Yonne, his parents were originally from the Jura. He studied in Dole and published his first novel in 1926: Brûlebois which, like some of his novels, is set in a village or town in the Comtois region. He is known for his Le Passe-muraille, La Vouivre, La Jument verte and Uranus, among others. Some of his works have been adapted for the cinema.
Louis Pergaud (1882-1915)
Born in Belmont in the Doubs, he was a teacher and wrote short stories and poems. He won the Goncourt prize 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, shows two rivalries between imaginary villages.
Bernard Clavel (1923-2010)
Born in Lons-le-Saunier, he is a well-known novelist who won the Goncourt Prize in 1968 for Les Fruits de l'hiver. But L'Espagnol and Malataverne are the best known. He was a writer who did not count less than a hundred works to his credit alongside articles, essays and testimonies
Book in the loop
It is the great annual meeting in the field of literature. This event usually takes place in September in several places in the city of Besançon. Each year, the presidency is given to a renowned author. No less than 200 authors are expected for moments of intense sharing. This festival includes several highlights due to the fame of the participants, presenting their work but also the new releases of the fall. It is a great literary moment not to be missed, which can be summed up in this sentence taken from the website: "Exchanging, enjoying, discovering or rediscovering the beauty and power of words, this is what Livres dans la Boucle will offer this autumn to all lovers of fine literature".
Let's talk boxes...
The Cousance comic strip festival has been going on for over 30 years. Usually in December, the cultural town puts the small boxes in the big ones! Many famous authors come to present their works. There are also many "satellite" activities: face painting, balloon sculpture, reading areas, board games, new and second-hand book fair. A visit to the very lively "Guinguette" is a must, where discussions are going well. It is advisable to check the association's website for the 2021 edition.
Jean-Charles-Emmanuel Nodier (1780-1844)
Born in Besançon, he made his debut in literature in 1810. He was a novelist, poet and playwright. Librarian in 1797, this is certainly what made him a remarkable bibliophile. He was an actor in the birth of the romantic movement.
Father Jean Garneret (1907-2002)
Born in Clerval in the Doubs. He is a passionate lover of rural society in its entirety, and particularly comtoise. He published many books or studies, decorated with his very realistic drawings. Thanks to him, we have an important source of documentation on the region and its rich rural heritage. He was at the origin of the Comtois Museum of the Citadel of Besançon and of the Comtois Houses of Nancray. To read and consult : La Maison du Montagnon and La Maison rurale
Annie Gay
Born in Haute-Marne, she is an associate professor of history. Her professional career brought her to the Jura where she still lives. In love with this department, she has published numerous works on its history, but also historical fictionalized accounts. She has also put on several shows depicting episodes from the history of the Jura. Her last two books invite us to discover the Francs-Comtois who made history and the high places 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 National Maritime School in Marseille, then went to Paris to study ethnology. His meeting with Commander Charcot will be a turning point in his life. He embarked with him and stayed for a year on the coast of Greenland. Everything follows, voyages and expeditions. He will publish many specialized books, but let us quote one for children: Apoutsiak, the little snowflake, with beautiful drawings by the author. In 1958, he discovered Tahiti where he ended his days in Bora-Bora.
Xavier Marmier (1808-1892)
Born in Pontarlier. This man of letters was a great traveller and translator of northern European literature. He made known in France the countries he visited. His work is important: his books are mainly about his travels.
