Achard

Achard, Louis Amedee Eugene, a French novelist, born at Marseilles, 1814. After a few years spent in business in Algeria, and in official life in the provinces, he went to Paris (1838) and entered upon the profession of journalism. Under the pseudonyms of "Grimm" and "Alceste," he contributed literary articles to the Epoque and the Assemblee Nationale. Later on he plunged into politics, and in 1848 took an active part as an officer of the Garde Nationale against the insurgents, his brother being killed by his side. In 1850 he was severely wounded in a duel with M. Fiorentino. He was war correspondent of the Moniteur in 1870, and was present at several engagements. His death took place in 1875. Amongst the numerous works on which M. Achard's fame rests, the best known are Chateaux en Espagne, La Robe de Nessus, Belle-Rose, Maurice de Treuil, Les Seductions, Les Fourches Caudines, and Marcelle. Several of his dramatic productions have been successful.