Goncourt, Edmond Huot de

(1822-1896)

   historian, writer

   Born in Nancy, Edmond Huot de Goncourt became interested in literature quite early. in collaboration with his brother, Jules Huot de Goncourt (1830-70), he developed a critical style of historiography. The brothers were both interested, too, in Japanese art of the 18th century (Outamaro, 1891). Other works by the Goncourts include novels (Soeur Philomène, 1861, which describes life in a hospital; Renée Mauperin, 1864, a work that evokes the world of bourgeois youth, 1864; and Germaine Lacesteux, 1865). After the death of Jules, Edmond Goncourt published La Fille Elisa (1877), La Faustin (1882), and Chérie (1884). He also continued their Journal (partially published 1887-96, complete edition, 1956-58), and he later bequeathed his entire estate to establish the prix Goncourt in Jules Goncourt's honor. The prix Goncourt, the most important of the 1,500 French literary awards given each year, is administered by the Académie Goncourt, the group of 10 men and women of letters who select the most imaginative prose work of that year. The prize still consists of the original award of 50 francs, first given in 1903