Jean LorraninJean Lorrain (1855-1906) born Alexandre Martin Duval grew up in Fecamp with Guy de Maupassant a near neighbour. When he abandoned his law studies to begin a literary career his father agreed to give him a small allowance on condition he used a pseudoym. He installed himself in Montmartre in 1880. He became a dandy in 1883, the sole disciple of Barbey d'Aurevilly as Remy de Gourmont termed him. The death of his father in 1886 forced him to make his living through journalism. He wrote many novels, plays and poetry but it is Monsieur de Phocas (1901) for which he is best remembered. Read More Read Less