Background

Maurice Renard was born on February 28, 1875, in Châlons-en-Champagne, France.

Education

In 1894, Renard obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and philosophy. In 1899, he moved to Paris and studied law there, but Renard soon abandoned his studies to devote himself to literature.

Career

Renard's first novel—eventually translated as New Bodies for Old—was published in France in 1908. It was followed by The motionless journey in 1909. Many of Renard’s other volumes have been translated into English as well, including the novels The Hands of Orlac, Blind Circle, and The Snake of Luvercy, as well as the short fiction collection The Flight of the Aerofix.

He founded the poetical magazine La vie française and published Monsieur d'Outremort and other singular stories in 1913. New Bodies for Old was translated into English in 1923, and brought Renard comparisons with British science fiction innovator H. G. Wells.

Renard’s most ambitious novel was Le Peril Bleu, which he published in 1912. One of his best-known work was The Hands of Orlac. His The Snake of Luvercy became available to readers of English in 1930, it was something of a departure for the author in that it was not science fiction or fantasy.

Achievements

• Renard is considered a pioneer among the French authors of science fiction. His novel The Hands of Orlac was adapted for film three times, including a silent film version.
  
  

Works

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• book

  • The Blue Peril

    (The Blue Peril, which many consider to be Renard's master...)

    1911
  • Hands of Orlac 1920
  • The Flight of the Aerofix 1932

Connections

In 1903, Renard married Stephanie La Batie.

Wife:

Stephanie La Batie

References

• St. James Guide to Science Fiction Writers