Joris-Karl Huysmans was a French novelist born on February 5, 1848, in Paris. He is best known for his work "À rebours" (Against the Grain), published in 1884, which is often associated with the Decadent movement. Huysmans' writing is characterized by its exploration of aesthetics, individualism, and the complexities of modern life. Initially, Huysmans worked as a civil servant, but he later turned to literature, producing several novels and essays. His style evolved over time, moving from naturalism to a more symbolic and introspective approach. Huysmans' influence can be seen in later writers, including Marcel Proust and Charles Baudelaire. He passed away on May 12, 1907.