Auguste-Maurice Barrès (1862–1923) was a French novelist, journalist, philosopher, and politician known for his nationalist ideology and literary contributions. His works explored individualism, patriotism, and France’s cultural identity.
Born in Charmes-sur-Moselle, France, he studied law in Paris but soon turned to literature and politics. His early writings, including Le Culte du Moi (1888–91,) a trilogy comprising Sous l’Œil des barbares (1888, Under the Eyes of the Barbarians,) Un Homme libre (1889, A Free Man,) and Le Jardin de Bérénice (1891, The Garden of Bérénice,) focused on self-analysis and individualism.
Barrès later embraced nationalism, reflected in Le Roman de l’Énergie nationale (1897–1902,) a trilogy including Les Déracinés (1897, The Uprooted,) L’Appel au soldat (1900, The Call to the Soldier,) and Leurs Figures (1902, Their Figures.) His works emphasized regional identity and patriotism.
During World War I, Barrès championed French nationalism, writing Les Bastions de l’Est (1905–09,) which includes Colette Baudoche (1909.) His mystical novel La Colline Inspirée (1913, The Sacred Hill) urged a return to Christianity. Elected to the Académie Française in 1906, he remained a political figure until his death in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, in 1923.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Maurice Barres
The politician is like an acrobat: he keeps his balance By saying the opposite of what he does.
—Maurice Barres
Topics: Politics, Politicians
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