Author Description

Presenting one or two important literary creations to represent each historical period or major event from 1721 to 1971, this study traces the history of opposition literature in France. The author chooses works that were written relatively close to the happenings in question, that attacked specific conditions or acts, and that were intended to motivate the reader to join in the author's opposition. The introductory examinations of the ways in which fiction and political views are combined with a section that supplies the historical background information necessary for a fuller appreciation of the literature. As an introduction, this supplies useful, succinct information on the various events and periods discussed, provides a synthesis of information concerning the literature of political protest, a balanced presentation of controversial persons, works, events, and situations, and fresh insights concerning well-known works, along with several lesser-known works and authors. Volume 2 includes Barres, France. Zola, Barbusse, Drieu la Rochelle, Aragon, Sartre, Anouilh, James Jones, Merle and Stil.