Antoine-François Prévost (1697-1763), known as Abbé Prévost due to his numerous theological writings, published his famous novel in 1753. In it, the author depicts, based on his own experiences, the love story between a young nobleman and his mistress, who not only betrays him but also financially ruins him. This classic of French literature has served as the basis for several operas, the most famous being Giacomo Puccini's "Manon Lescaut," which premiered in 1893.