Duras, Claire de (1777–1828)

views updated

Duras, Claire de (1777–1828)

French duchess, novelist and salonnière. Name variations: Claire Lechat de Kersaint; Claire Kersaint; Duchesse de Duras or Duchess of Duras; Madame de Duras. Born Claire Lechat de Kersaint, 1777 (some sources cite 1778), in Brest; died 1828 in Paris, France; m. Duc de Duras.

Fled France after father was executed during French Revolution; established a salon in London which became meeting places for émigrés; married in London, returned to France with husband (1807); writings include Ourika (1823), Edouard (1825) and Olivier ou la secret (1971).

About this article

Duras, Claire de (1777–1828)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article