René Goscinny

René Goscinny (August 14, 1926 - November 5, 1977) is a 20th century French writer, known principally for his work as writer of the Asterix comic books (bandes dessinées in French), which were illustrated by Uderzo, and the "Little Nicolas" books ("Le Petit Nicolas").

Born in Paris, France, he was editor of Pilote magazine in France around the 1950s. Was the writer behind many other French comics, including "Lucky Luke" (illus: Morris), "Iznogoud" (illus: Tabary).

Books include La Potachologie and Le Potache est Servi (with drawings by Cabu), now out of print.

In books, his sense of humour comes across as very underhand: "La Potachologie" is written as a natural history textbook detailing the habitats and behaviour of schoolboys: a silly subject matter, but sober and formal style. Similarly, the eponymous narrator of the Little Nicolas books is young, impressionable and naive, while leaving enough in subtext for the reader to laugh not only at the situation but Nicolas' outlook on it.

External link

Biography (in French): http://www.humanite.presse.fr/journal/2001/2001-08/2001-08-18/2001-08-18-013.html