Jules Romains (1885–1972,) born Louis Henri Jean Farigoule, was a French novelist, dramatist, and poet, best known for founding the Unanimism literary movement and his multi-volume novel cycle, Les Hommes de bonne volonté (1932–46, Men of Good Will.)
Born in Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, France, Romains studied science and philosophy at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. Initially a philosophy teacher, he devoted himself entirely to writing in 1919.
A prolific writer, Romains produced over 100 works, including novels, plays, poetry, and essays. His most famous work, Les Hommes de bonne volonté (1932–46,) spans 27 volumes, offering a panoramic view of French society. His satirical play Knock ou le Triomphe de la médecine (1923) became a classic, critiquing medical authority and human gullibility.
Other notable works include La Vie unanime (1908,) which introduced Unanimism, Mort de quelqu’un (1911,) Les Copains (1913,) and Verdun (1938,) exploring World War I.
During World War II, Romains lived in exile in the U.S. and Mexico, advocating for French resistance. Elected to the Académie Française (1946,) he was recognized for his literary contributions.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Jules Romains
Smart People talk about ideas. Common people talk about things. Mediocre people talk about people.
—Jules Romains
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