Translation of Notre Avant-Guerre/Before the War

by Robert Brasillach, Peter Tame (Editor)

Robert Brasillach, a gifted writer and Nazi sympathizer, was executed by firing squad for treason in 1945. His memoir of happier times before the war offers an account of his life between the ages of 15 and 30 (from 1925-1939). Brasillach paints a vivid portrait of his student days in Paris in the late 1920s and then describes his activities as a journalist, his increasing involvement in right-wing politics, his visits to Germany, and his journey through Spain in the aftermath of the Civil War. Historical b&w photos are included. Tame is a reader in French at Queen's College-Belfast. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1941

About the author

French author and journalist.

Brasillach wrote both fiction and non-fiction. While his fiction dealt with love, life and politics in his era, his non-fiction dealt with a great variety of themes, ranging from drama, great literary figures and contemporary world events. His work in the realm of cinema history was particularly influential.

He became an editor of Je suis partout, a paper led by Pierre Gaxotte.

After the liberation of France in 1944 he was executed following a trial and Charles de Gaulle's express refusal to grant him a pardon. Brasillach was executed for advocating collaborationism, denunciation and incitement to murder.

Reviews

[Chetty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intéressera quiconque voulant savoir ce qu'était la jeunesse parisienne de Bob et son cercle d'amis intellos (Maurice Bardèche, Henri Massis, Thierry Maulnier, Lucien Rebatet et d'autres) dans les années 20 jusqu'au début de la drôle de guerre. On passe aussi par quelques voyages en Espagne, pays qu'il admire tant, l'Allemagne (Nazi of course), la Belgique et même un pèlerinage vers Chartres à la manière de Péguy.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent livre sur la vie de Brasillach, surtout ses amis et relations entre 1925 et 1939.