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Alain de Botton

(1969-), Writer

Sitter in 2 portraits
Swiss-born, De Botton read History at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge (1988-90) and Philosophy at King's College (1991-2). His first novel, Essays In Love was published in 1993 but gained prominence with his non-fiction book How Proust Can Change Your Life (1997). His books aim to tackle questions of everyday life from a philosophical point of view. Other titles include The Consolations of Philosophy (2000), The Art of Travel (2002), Status Anxiety (2004) and The Architecture of Happiness. His production company, Seneca, has made several documentaries based on his books, including How Proust Can Change Your Life starring Ralph Fiennes and Felicity Kendal.

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Alain de Botton, by Roderick Field - NPG x88500

Alain de Botton

by Roderick Field
bromide fibre print, 21 January 2000
NPG x88500

Alain de Botton, by Harry Borden - NPG x128166

Alain de Botton

by Harry Borden
C-type colour print, 16 September 2001
NPG x128166

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