Henri Alban Fournier, commonly known as Alain-Fournier, was a French author born on October 3, 1886. He is best known for his novel Le Grand Meaulnes, published in 1913, which is considered a classic of French literature. The story explores themes of nostalgia, lost innocence, and the passage of time through the adventures of a young boy in a rural setting. Fournier's life was cut short when he died in combat during World War I on September 22, 1914. Despite his brief career, his literary contributions have left a lasting impact, and Le Grand Meaulnes continues to be studied and celebrated for its poetic style and emotional depth.