'"Society of People of Letters of France"') is a writers' association founded in 1838 by the notable French authors Honoré de Balzac, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and George Sand.
It is a private association recognised in France as an establishment in the public interest by decree of 10 December 1891.
It is directed by a volunteer committee consisting of twenty-four writers, and is currently led by the novelist Alain Absire.
It has facilities for the deposit of completed works, helping writers guarantee their rights as original author in case of a legal dispute.
Each year it organises diverse cultural events and awards a number of €75,000 prizes in recognition of published works.