According to Wikipedia: "Edmond de Goncourt (May 26, 1822 - July 16, 1896) was a French writer, critic, book publisher and the founder of the Académie Goncourt... He bequeathed his entire estate for the foundation and maintenance of the Académie Goncourt. In honor of his brother and collaborator, Jules Alfred Huot de Goncourt, (December 17, 1830 - June 20, 1870), each December since 1903, the Académie awards the Prix Goncourt. It is the most prestigious prize in French language literature, given to "the best imaginary prose work of the year".Marcel Proust, Simone de Beauvoir, Michel Tournier, Marguerite Duras and Romain Gary (who exceptionally won it twice) are among the best-known authors who have won the century-old prize." "Jules de Goncourt (Paris, December 17, 1830 - Paris, June 20, 1870) was a French writer, who published books together with his brother Edmond."