Michel Tournier (1924-2016) was a French writer and philosopher. He was born in Paris and studied philosophy at the Sorbonne. He is best known for his 1967 novel, The Ogre, which won the Prix Goncourt. He also wrote several other novels, including Friday, or, The Other Island, The Four Wise Men, and Gemini. His works often explored themes of alienation, freedom, and the search for identity. He was a member of the Académie Goncourt and was awarded the Grand Prix National des Lettres in 1988. He was also a professor of philosophy at the University of Paris. His works have been translated into many languages and continue to be read and studied around the world.