Julien Green (1900–98,) born Julian Hartridge Green, was a French-American writer known for psychological novels, plays, and extensive journals. He spent most of his life in France, writing primarily in French, often exploring secrecy, guilt, and existential struggle.
Born in Paris to American parents, Green volunteered as an ambulance driver at 16, later serving in the French Army (1918–19.) He studied at the University of Virginia (1919–22,) where he wrote his first short story. His literary career began with Mont-Cinere (1926,) followed by Adrienne Mesurat (1927) and Léviathan (1929,) known for psychological depth. His works include Moira (1950,) Chaque homme dans sa nuit (1960,) and the Dixie Trilogy, featuring Les Pays Lointains (1987.)
Beyond fiction, Green maintained a decades-long journal, published in multiple volumes, reflecting on religion, art, and society. His four-volume autobiography chronicled his life and literary journey. In 1971, he became the first non-French national elected to the Académie Française.
Green’s only English-language book, Memories of Happy Days (1942,) reflected his American heritage. His play Sud (1953) was later adapted into an opera. His biography God’s Fool: The Life of Francis of Assisi (1987) showcased his deep religious reflections.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Julien Green
The greatest explorer on this earth never takes voyages as long as those of the man who descends to the depth of his heart.
—Julien Green
Topics: Self-Discovery, Discovery
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