Renard (1875-1939) is generally considered to be the most important French writer of science fiction from the early 20th century up to the time of the Second World War. Whilst his well-to-do family had initially insisted he follow in his father's footsteps in the legal profession rather than entering on a literary career, he gave up his law studies to become both a journalist and prime contributor to the thriving pulp magazines of the day. It was during his three years' military service from 1896-99 that he discovered the science fiction of H G Wells, and Wells's influence can clearly be seen in Renaud's first collection of short stories, Fantomes et fantoches (1905). His first novel Le docteur Lerne - Sous-Dieu, which appeared in 1908, was dedicated to Wells and is obviously inspired by The Island of Dr Moreau, a fact acknowledged in the dedication. It received rave reviews and launched him into the limelight of Parisian literary circles. It is reprinted here in English translation in an edition of 1923 under the title New Bodies for Old.
