Frédéric Dard ​

Frédéric Dard was a French writer and author of the San-Antonio series, which are detective novels that revolve around the character Superintendent Antoine San-Antonio. With around 300 novels and more than 250 million copies sold worldwide, Dard is one of the best-known and most celebrated authors in France.

Quick Facts ​

• Published Over 300 novels and an estimated 800 novellas.
• Translated into more than 30 languages worldwide.
• His books have sold over 200 million copies.
• Wrote under many pseudonyms, most famously San-Antonio.
• His San-Antonio series includes 175 novels, published from 1949 till his death in 2000.

Background ​

Dard was born in 1921 in Bourgoin-Jallieu, Isère, France. He was the child of impoverished parents, and was sent to live with his grandmother when his mother died while he was still very young. He began his writing career in 1940, writing song lyrics until he was spotted by Marcel Duhamel and began writing novels. His first novel, 'Among those Absent', published in 1943 under the pseudonym Frederic Charles, was a commercial success. Known as France's top crime writer, Frédéric Dard wrote under more than 20 pseudonyms, the most famous of whom was San-Antonio, the name of his main character. His San-Antonio series, consisting of 175 novels, are some of the best-selling books in French history. Dard passed away in Switzerland in 2000.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Frédéric Dard's writings are known for their suspense, psychological depth, and social commentary. His language and narrative style are direct, yet rich in metaphors and humor. Dard's characters are often flawed and vulnerable, a reflection of his perception of human nature. Through his popular San-Antonio series, he played a major role in popularizing the detective novel genre in France. His impact on French popular literature is significant, being one of the best-selling writers in his country.

Notable Works ​

• The Flock (1957)
• Night Squad (1960)
• Bird in a Cage (1961)
• The Executioner (1963)
• The Wicked Go to Hell (1964)
• The Gravedigger's Bread (1964)
• I Hate to Lose (1966)
• The Tango of the Old Guard (1973)
• The Dictator's Mustache (1981)