Antoine François Prévost

Antoine François Prévost, commonly known as Abbé Prévost, was an 18th-century French novelist and writer best known for his novel "Manon Lescaut." Born in 1697, he started his career as a Jesuit priest but left the clergy to pursue writing and travel. His work explores themes of love, desire, and the struggles of individuals against societal expectations. "Manon Lescaut," published in 1731, tells a poignant story of passion and sacrifice, influencing later literature and inspiring various adaptations in opera and film. Prévost's contributions mark him as a significant figure in early modern French literature.