Boris Vian

Boris Vian (10 March 1920 – 23 June 1959) was a French polymath: writer, poet, musician, singer, translator, critic, actor, inventor and engineer. He is best remembered today for his novels. Those published under the pseudonym Vernon Sullivan were bizarre parodies of criminal fiction, highly controversial at the time of their release due to their unconventional outlook.

Early Life

Boris Vian was born in 1920 in Ville-d'Avray, near Paris, to a bourgeois family. His father was a rentier, and his mother was a refined music lover, who played the piano. Vian was the second of four children and had a fondness for literature and music from a young age.

Career

Vian's career was as diverse as his talents. He worked in various fields, including writing, music, and engineering. His work often challenged societal norms and expectations, leading to a controversial reputation.

Writing

Vian's writing career began in the 1940s. His first novel, "L'Écume des jours" (Froth on the Daydream), was published in 1947. This novel, like many of his others, was a blend of fantasy, surrealism, and romance, reflecting Vian's unique style and perspective.

Music

In addition to writing, Vian was also a talented musician. He played the trumpet and was a prominent figure in the Paris jazz scene. His love for music is evident in his writing, with many of his novels and poems featuring musical themes.

Engineering

Vian was also a trained engineer, having studied at the École Centrale Paris. He worked as an engineer for the French Association for Standardisation (AFNOR) before turning to writing and music full-time.

Death

Vian died suddenly from a heart attack in 1959 at the age of 39. His death occurred while he was watching the screening of the film adaptation of his novel J'irai cracher sur vos tombes (I Spit on Your Graves), which he publicly disowned due to its poor quality.

Legacy

Despite his early death, Vian's work continues to be influential. His novels are still widely read, and his music continues to be performed. His life and work have been the subject of numerous studies and biographies.