Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (1873–1954), known as Colette, was a French novelist, journalist, and performer. Born in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, she began her career with the popular Claudine novels, initially published under the name of her first husband, Henry Gauthier-Villars (“Willy”). After separating, she built an independent literary reputation with works such as *Chéri* (1920) and *Gigi* (1944), noted for their psychological insight and vivid depiction of desire, aging, and social roles. Colette also appeared on the music-hall stage and wrote extensively for the press. In later life she received major French honors and was widely celebrated.