Edmond de Goncourt was a French writer and critic born on May 26, 1822. He is best known for his literary works, often co-authored with his brother, Jules de Goncourt. Together, they contributed significantly to the naturalist movement in literature, focusing on detailed character studies and social realism. The Goncourt brothers established the Goncourt Prize in 1903, which honors outstanding French literature. Edmond de Goncourt's influence extended beyond his novels, as he also wrote extensively on art and culture, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world until his death on July 16, 1896.