The French writer Jean-Marie Le Clezio has won the 2008 Nobel Prize for Literature.

The Nobel Academy praised his adventurous novels, essays and children’s books.

Le Clezio’s works have been perceived as critical of aggressive urban society and the materialism of the west.

The 68-year-old wins one million euros. He is the first French author to be awarded the honour since 1985.

The jury said Le Clezio explored new depths in literature and human relationships.

Recent winners of the Nobel Prize include the English writer Doris Lessing, and Orhan Pamuk of Turkey.

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