Jean Giono (1895-1970) was a French novelist and essayist. He was born in Manosque, Provence, and is best known for his works of fiction set in the Provençal countryside. His works often focus on the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it. He was a pacifist and a humanist, and his works often reflect his beliefs. He was awarded the Grand Prix National des Lettres in 1954 and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1960. Giono's works have been translated into many languages and continue to be read and appreciated around the world.