An Introduction to a Literary Titan
Maurice Druon stands as a significant figure in twentieth-century French literature and public life. A novelist, historian, essayist, and politician, his influence extended from the pages of bestselling historical epics to the esteemed halls of the Académie Française and the corridors of political power. Born in Paris in 1918 and passing away in the same city in 2009, Druon's life spanned a tumultuous period of French history, which he not only witnessed but actively participated in and chronicled.
He is perhaps most widely celebrated for his monumental historical novel series, Les Rois Maudits (The Accursed Kings), a gripping saga of the French monarchy in the 14th century. This work, lauded for its historical accuracy and narrative power, found a vast readership and later influenced prominent authors like George R.R. Martin. Druon's literary talents were recognized early when he received the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 1948 for his novel Les Grandes Familles. His contributions, however, were not confined to literature; he was a decorated hero of the French Resistance and served as France's Minister of Culture.
Formative Years: Family and Education
Maurice Druon's origins were complex and set the stage for a life intertwined with literature and diverse cultural influences. Born Maurice Kessel on April 23, 1918, in Paris, he was the son of Lazare Kessel, an actor of Russian-Jewish descent from Orenburg, Russia. His mother, Léonilla Samuel-Cros, also came from a family with artistic and intellectual inclinations. His biological father tragically took his own life when Maurice was only two years old. Subsequently, his mother remarried René Druon, a notary from Normandy, who formally adopted Maurice, giving him the surname he would carry throughout his life.
This blended family background provided a rich cultural tapestry. His Russian heritage connected him to a world of dramatic history and artistic expression, while his French upbringing, guided by his adoptive father, instilled a deep appreciation for French literature and culture. René Druon played a significant role in his stepson's education, encouraging him from a young age to engage with classic French authors and historical narratives. This early immersion in literature laid a crucial foundation for his future career.
Druon's formal education further honed his intellectual abilities. He attended the prestigious Lycée Michelet de Vanves in Paris, where his academic talents shone. He distinguished himself by winning the Concours Général, a highly competitive national academic competition for secondary school students, a testament to his early promise. Following his secondary education, he pursued higher studies at the École Libre des Sciences Politiques (now Sciences Po), a renowned institution for political science and public administration, and also studied literature.
The Influence of Joseph Kessel
A towering figure in Maurice Druon's early life and career was his uncle, Joseph Kessel. Joseph, his biological father's brother, was already a celebrated writer, journalist, and adventurer. He took his young nephew under his wing, becoming not just a family member but a crucial mentor and guide. Kessel introduced Maurice to the vibrant literary and social circles of Paris, opening doors and providing invaluable guidance as the young man began to find his own voice.
Kessel's influence extended beyond mere networking. He shared his passion for storytelling, his experiences as a war correspondent, and his deep understanding of human nature under duress. This mentorship was particularly formative during Druon's adolescence and early adulthood. It was through Kessel's encouragement and example that Druon likely solidified his ambition to become a writer, learning the craft and discipline required. Their close relationship would later evolve into a powerful collaboration during a critical period for France.
The bond between uncle and nephew was profound, shaping Druon's worldview and literary sensibilities. Kessel's own adventurous life and prolific output served as both inspiration and a high standard to aspire to. This relationship underscores the importance of family and mentorship in Druon's development as a writer and public figure.
World War II and the Call to Resistance
The outbreak of World War II dramatically altered the course of Maurice Druon's life, transforming him from a promising young student and writer into an active participant in the fight against Nazi occupation. Mobilized into the French army, he served initially in the cavalry school at Saumur. Following the fall of France in 1940, Druon refused to accept the armistice and the Vichy regime. He managed to escape occupied France, eventually making his way to London to join the Free French Forces under General Charles de Gaulle.
In London, Druon became deeply involved in the Resistance movement's communication efforts. He worked on the BBC's French-language program Honneur et Patrie (Honour and Fatherland), which broadcast messages of hope and defiance to occupied France. It was during this period that his literary talents found a powerful new purpose.
Together with his uncle Joseph Kessel, Druon co-wrote the lyrics to what would become the unofficial anthem of the French Resistance: the Chant des Partisans (Song of the Partisans). The melody was composed by Anna Marly, a Russian-born singer-songwriter also living in exile in London. The song, with its stirring call to arms ("Ami, entends-tu le vol noir des corbeaux sur nos plaines?" - Friend, do you hear the black flight of crows over our plains?) and its somber acknowledgment of sacrifice, captured the spirit of the underground struggle. Broadcast by the BBC, it became a symbol of hope and defiance, instantly recognizable to those fighting in the shadows within France. This act cemented Druon's status as a hero of the Resistance.
Literary Breakthrough: Les Grandes Familles
After the war, Maurice Druon returned to his literary pursuits, channeling his experiences and observations into his writing. His breakthrough came in 1948 with the publication of Les Grandes Familles (published in English translation as The Film of Memory and later as part of The Curtain Falls). This novel earned him the prestigious Prix Goncourt, France's highest literary honor, catapulting him into the forefront of the French literary scene.
Les Grandes Familles is a sprawling novel that paints a satirical and often critical portrait of French high society in the interwar period and its aftermath. It explores the decline of aristocratic and bourgeois dynasties, the intricate webs of power, ambition, and finance, and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of status and wealth. The novel was praised for its sharp social commentary, its well-drawn characters, and its compelling narrative structure.
The success of Les Grandes Familles established Druon as a major voice in contemporary French literature. It demonstrated his ability to weave complex social analysis into engaging fiction. The novel was the first in a trilogy, followed by La Chute des corps (The Fall of Bodies) and Rendez-vous aux enfers (Rendezvous in Hell), which continued to explore the fates of its characters against the backdrop of historical change. This early success showcased his talent for dissecting the intricacies of French society, a theme that would recur in different forms throughout his career.
Crowning Achievement: Les Rois Maudits
While the Prix Goncourt brought him acclaim, Maurice Druon's most enduring legacy rests upon his monumental seven-volume historical novel series, Les Rois Maudits (The Accursed Kings). Published between 1955 and 1977, this epic saga chronicles the turbulent reigns of the French Capetian and early Valois kings in the 14th century, beginning with Philip IV the Fair and his persecution of the Knights Templar.
The series' title refers to the curse supposedly uttered by Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Templars, as he burned at the stake in 1314, damning King Philip, his advisor Guillaume de Nogaret, and Pope Clement V, along with their descendants. Druon masterfully uses this dramatic starting point to explore decades of political intrigue, succession crises, dynastic rivalries (particularly between France and England, leading to the Hundred Years' War), betrayal, murder, and passion within the French royal court.
Druon combined meticulous historical research with vivid storytelling, bringing the complex events and personalities of the era to life. The series includes volumes such as Le Roi de Fer (The Iron King), La Reine Étranglée (The Strangled Queen), Les Poisons de la Couronne (The Poisoned Crown), La Loi des Mâles (The Law of Men), La Louve de France (The She-Wolf of France), Le Lis et le Lion (The Lily and the Lion), and the final volume, Quand un Roi perd la France (When a King Loses France).
Les Rois Maudits achieved immense popularity in France and internationally. It was praised for its historical depth, its complex characterizations, and its gripping plotlines filled with power struggles and human drama. The series has been adapted for French television twice, in 1972 and 2005, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Its influence extends even to contemporary fantasy literature. George R.R. Martin, author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series (adapted as Game of Thrones), has repeatedly cited Les Rois Maudits as a major inspiration, calling Druon "France's best historical novelist since Alexandre Dumas" and referring to the series as "the original game of thrones." He praised Druon's realistic portrayal of medieval power dynamics, where characters, no matter how important, were not safe from sudden, brutal ends.
Tistou les pouces verts: An Ecological Parable
Beyond his historical epics and social satires, Maurice Druon also penned a remarkable work of children's literature, Tistou les pouces verts (Tistou of the Green Thumbs), published in 1957. This charming and poignant story tells of a young boy, Tistou, born into a wealthy family of arms manufacturers, who discovers he has a unique gift: wherever he places his thumbs, beautiful flowers and plants instantly bloom.
Tistou uses his magical ability to transform the bleak and harsh aspects of the adult world he encounters. He brings flowers to the walls of prisons, hospitals, and slums, and most significantly, he sabotages his father's cannons by making flowers sprout from their barrels, preventing war and promoting peace. The story is a gentle yet profound critique of war, social inequality, and the sterile nature of modern industrial society.
Tistou les pouces verts is celebrated for its poetic language, its imaginative premise, and its underlying messages of pacifism and environmentalism. It stands out as an early example of ecological awareness in children's literature, emphasizing the importance of nature, beauty, and empathy in a world often dominated by conflict and materialism. The book has been translated into numerous languages and remains a beloved classic, demonstrating Druon's versatility as a writer capable of addressing complex themes with simplicity and grace for a young audience.
Literary Style and Themes
Maurice Druon's literary style is characterized by its clarity, precision, and narrative force. He wrote in a classical French prose style, often contrasting with the more experimental trends of some of his contemporaries like the proponents of the Nouveau Roman. His background as a historian informed his meticulous attention to detail, particularly in Les Rois Maudits, where historical accuracy provides a solid foundation for the dramatic narrative.
His historical fiction, while deeply researched, is driven by strong plotlines and compelling character arcs. He excelled at depicting the complexities of power – its acquisition, its exercise, and its corrupting influence. Themes of ambition, betrayal, loyalty, and the often-brutal realities of political life are central to his work, particularly in the medieval setting of Les Rois Maudits.
In novels like Les Grandes Familles, Druon employed satire and sharp social observation to critique the mores and hypocrisies of contemporary French society. His portrayal of the upper classes is often unflinching, revealing the vanity and moral compromises beneath the surface of respectability.
A recurring theme across his diverse works is a deep engagement with French history and identity. Whether writing about the medieval monarchy, the Resistance, or post-war society, Druon explored the forces that shaped France and the character of its people. His patriotism is evident, not as blind nationalism, but as a profound connection to the language, culture, and historical destiny of his nation. His work often carries a moral dimension, exploring the choices individuals make in the face of historical events or societal pressures.
A Public Intellectual: The Académie Française and Politics
Maurice Druon's influence extended significantly beyond the literary realm into the heart of French cultural and political life. A staunch defender of French culture and language, he became a prominent public intellectual. His commitment to these values found its most visible expression in his involvement with the Académie Française. Elected to the prestigious institution in 1966, he occupied Seat 30, succeeding Georges Duhamel.
The Académie Française, founded in the 17th century, serves as the official authority on the French language. Druon embraced its mission with fervor. He rose through its ranks, eventually being elected Secrétaire Perpétuel (Perpetual Secretary) in 1985, a position he held until 1999. In this role, he was a powerful advocate for the purity and preservation of the French language, often vocally opposing the influx of English words (Franglais) and championing traditional grammar and usage. His pronouncements on language matters often sparked public debate, highlighting his role as a cultural guardian.
Druon was also politically active, aligning himself with Gaullism. His wartime service alongside de Gaulle forged a lasting connection. Under President Georges Pompidou, Druon served as Minister of Cultural Affairs from 1973 to 1974. Although his tenure was relatively brief, it placed him at the center of French cultural policy. He also served as a deputy in the French National Assembly representing Paris from 1978 to 1981. His political career reflected his belief in the importance of strong cultural institutions and the state's role in preserving national heritage.
Relationships with Contemporaries
Throughout his long career, Maurice Druon interacted with numerous figures from the worlds of literature, art, and politics. His closest and most formative relationship was undoubtedly with his uncle, Joseph Kessel, his mentor and collaborator on the Chant des Partisans. This bond shaped his early career and remained significant throughout their lives.
As Minister of Culture, he followed in the footsteps of the influential writer André Malraux, another major figure associated with Charles de Gaulle. While different in style and temperament, both men shared a deep commitment to French culture and its global standing. Druon's political service under President Georges Pompidou placed him within a specific Gaullist political milieu.
In the literary world, Druon's classical style and traditionalist views sometimes set him apart from more experimental contemporaries associated with movements like Existentialism (Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir) or the Nouveau Roman. While respected for his narrative skill and historical knowledge, his defense of traditional French values and language could sometimes place him in opposition to more radical intellectual currents.
He maintained friendships within the artistic community, notably with the painter Bernard Buffet. An exhibition in Libourne in 2023-2024, titled "Maurice Druon, l'homme et ses amies artistiques," specifically explored these connections, showcasing works by Buffet alongside Druon's archives. He also had connections, likely more social or intellectual, with figures like the multi-talented Jean Cocteau and the playwright Jean Anouilh. His historical work also connected him intellectually with historians like Fernand Braudel, who revolutionized the study of history with his long-term perspectives. His influence famously crossed genres and generations, impacting George R.R. Martin decades after Les Rois Maudits was published.
Personality and Anecdotes
Maurice Druon was known for his strong personality, characterized by energy, conviction, and a certain directness that could sometimes be perceived as bluntness. He was described as a man of great vitality, even in his later years, possessing a sharp wit and a commanding presence. His public pronouncements, particularly as Perpetual Secretary of the Académie Française, were often delivered with unwavering authority and a touch of theatricality.
Anecdotes paint a picture of a man who enjoyed life and social interaction, albeit on his own terms. Jean d'Ormesson, another prominent French writer and academician, recounted humorous encounters highlighting Druon's sometimes imperious but often charming manner. One story involved Druon enthusiastically organizing a donkey ride for a guest at his Bordeaux estate, showcasing his enduring zest despite his age.
His deep patriotism and commitment to French culture were defining traits. He saw himself as a defender of traditional values and the integrity of the French language. This passion fueled both his writing and his public actions. His studio reportedly reflected his rich life, filled with books, manuscripts, photographs, and art objects, a testament to his diverse interests and experiences. His complex family history, including noble ancestors and Russian roots, added another layer to his multifaceted identity.
Later Life, Legacy, and Collections
In his later years, Maurice Druon remained an active figure, though health issues, including a vascular incident in 2008, slowed him down physically. He continued to write and engage in public life, albeit less frequently. He passed away in Paris on April 14, 2009, just shy of his 91st birthday.
His legacy is substantial and multifaceted. As a writer, he left behind a significant body of work, with Les Rois Maudits standing as a landmark of historical fiction, continuously discovered by new generations of readers, partly thanks to its influence on works like Game of Thrones. Les Grandes Familles remains an important social novel, and Tistou les pouces verts endures as a classic of children's literature with a timeless message.
As a public figure, he is remembered for his unwavering defense of the French language during his time at the Académie Française and for his service as Minister of Culture. His role in the French Resistance, particularly his co-authorship of the Chant des Partisans, secures his place among the heroes of World War II.
Druon's works and archives are preserved in various institutions. The Bibliothèque nationale de France holds copies of his published works. His connection with artists like Bernard Buffet is documented, and related materials were featured in the exhibition at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Libourne. Auction houses like Maison Millon occasionally handle items related to him, such as portraits. These collections and exhibitions ensure that his contributions to French literature and culture continue to be studied and appreciated.
Maurice Druon was a man of letters in the grand French tradition – a writer deeply engaged with his nation's history, culture, and language, who used his talents to chronicle its past, comment on its present, and actively shape its cultural institutions. His life and work offer a compelling insight into the complexities of France in the 20th century.
