Abbé Prévost was a French author born in 1697, best known for his novel Manon Lescaut. He was a member of the clergy but chose to pursue a literary career, which led him to write various works, including novels and essays. His writing often explored themes of love, passion, and moral dilemmas. Prévost's most famous work, Manon Lescaut, tells the tragic story of a young man and his love for a beautiful woman, highlighting the struggles between desire and societal expectations. This novel has had a lasting impact on literature and has inspired numerous adaptations in opera, theater, and film.