Georges Simenon ​

Georges Simenon was a Belgian author noted for his prolific output—he published more than 500 novels and numerous short works. His detective novels featuring the character Jules Maigret are particularly renowned. He is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

Quick Facts ​

• Created one of the world's most successful fictional characters, Inspector Maigret.
• His works have been translated into more than 50 languages.
• Wrote nearly 200 novels and numerous short stories.
• His novels have sold more than 550 million copies worldwide.
• Some of his works have been adapted into films and television series.
• He often wrote under a number of pseudonyms.

Background ​

Simenon was born in 1903 in Liège, Belgium. He was the eldest child of a lower-class family. He began his education at the Saint-André college, where he wrote and edited a school newspaper. He left school at the age of fifteen and worked a variety of jobs before becoming a journalist for the Gazette de Liège. After moving to Paris, he wrote his first novel, Au Pont des Arches, under the pen name Georges Sim. He continued to write and publish novels and short stories, many of them featuring his famous detective character, Inspector Maigret. Simenon is considered one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, having written over 400 novels and numerous short stories. He passed away in 1989.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Simenon's works are characterized by their psychological depth and realism. His writing is straightforward and unpretentious, with a focus on the inner lives of his characters rather than on action or plot twists. His detective fiction, featuring the character of Inspector Maigret, has been praised for its complexity and depth. His work has been influential in the development of the crime fiction genre.

Notable Works ​

• Pietr the Latvian (1931)
• The Strange Case of Peter the Lett (1931)
• The Yellow Dog (1931)
• Night at the Crossroads (1932)
• Maigret's Dead Man (1948)
• Maigret's First Case (1949)
• Maigret and the Stranger (1963)