Anatole France was a French poet, journalist, and novelist, born as François-Anatole Thibault on April 16, 1844, in Paris, France. He is regarded as one of the most prominent French writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his wit, irony, and social criticism, France’s works often explored political and social issues of his time.

France’s early career began as a journalist, contributing to various newspapers and magazines. His writing displayed a keen observation of society, often highlighting the hypocrisies and injustices prevalent in French society. As his literary reputation grew, he transitioned to writing novels, plays, and poetry, receiving critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921.

Here are a few quotes from Anatole France:

1. “To know is nothing at all; to imagine is everything.”
2. “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves.”
3. “The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.”
4. “The books that help you the most are those which make you think the most.”
5. “It is well for the heart to be naive and the mind not to be.”

As for his best five books, Anatole France wrote a significant number of works throughout his career, encompassing various genres. Here are five notable books associated with him:

1. “Thaïs” (1890) – A novel set in ancient Egypt that tells the story of a courtesan named Thaïs and explores themes of desire, spirituality, and redemption.
2. “The Gods Are Athirst” (1912) – A historical novel set during the French Revolution, depicting the moral and political dilemmas faced by a young artist swept up in the revolutionary fervor.
3. “Penguin Island” (1908) – A satirical novel that uses anthropomorphic penguins as a device to satirize human history, politics, and religion.
4. “The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard” (1881) – A novel that follows the life of a scholarly book collector and bibliophile who becomes involved in a mystery surrounding a lost manuscript.
5. “The Revolt of the Angels” (1914) – A philosophical novel that explores the concept of rebellion among angels in heaven and questions the nature of good and evil.

These works demonstrate Anatole France’s sharp intellect, his ability to blend satire and social commentary, and his skill in creating thought-provoking narratives. Anatole France’s contributions to French literature continue to be celebrated for their literary merit and their exploration of timeless themes.