Georges Simenon

Georges Simenon was a prolific and arguably one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. He wrote over 300 books of both fiction and nonfiction which sold over 700 million copies and were translated into some 50 languages. Born in Liège, Belgium in 1903, Simenon's career began as a journalist at the age of 16. This initial foray into the writing world helped develop his strengths as a storyteller and set him on the path to writing his renowned mysteries.

Much of Simenon’s writing is characterized by its humanistic, almost tragic quality and his exploration of dark, brooding characters. He is perhaps best known for his series about the dogged French Detective Inspector Maigret, a character he created in 1931. Simenon drew inspiration for this series from the people he encountered on his travels all across the world.

Simenon’s seventy-two Maigret novels are masterpieces of psychological suspense and, as befits a detective story, often feature complex mysteries. The setting of his stories, as well as his characters, often recall the bleak post-World War II period in which they occur. His stories are full of psychological insight and vivid description. In the Inspector Maigret novels, Simenon creates a gritty world in which ordinary human failings lead to tragic consequences.

Simenon’s non-mystery fiction focuses on the psychological plight of his characters and ranges from novels of intense psychological drama to lighter romances. Through works such as The Trip to Panama and Mind you, Poverty!, he has explored the lives of people struggling between poverty and ambition.

Simenon enjoyed huge success throughout Europe and the United States following the publication of his first novel in 1925. He found success in other genres too, having written over 300 novels in a variety of styles and taking on pseudonyms and genres. His works were adapted for film and television, and his stories and characters remain popular today.

Simenon's influence extended to other authors in the realm of detective fiction. Although Simenon had his detractors, most notably author Raymond Chandler, he was nonetheless credited with taking detective fiction to a higher level. His influence can still be seen in the works of mystery writers today.

Simenon was decorated in his native Belgium with the Order of Leopold, was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, and was a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He died on September 4th, 1989 in Lausanne, Switzerland at the age of 84.

Although Georges Simenon was a prolific writer, his work is still read and appreciated today. His exploration of human nature, his attention to detail, and his focus on the psychological depths of characters have helped cement his status as one of the most important 20th century authors.