Henri Barbusse

Date of Birth: May 17, 1873

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 30, 1935

Biography

Henri Barbusse was a French novelist, journalist, and a fervent pacifist, best known for his novel “Le Feu” (“Under Fire”), which is considered one of the most significant works of World War I literature. Born to a French father and an English mother, Barbusse began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction. His early works, including poetry and short stories, were well-received, but it was his firsthand experiences as a soldier during World War I that dramatically shaped his writing. “Le Feu,” published in 1916, captures the brutal reality of trench warfare and was awarded the Prix Goncourt, France’s most prestigious literary award. Barbusse’s vivid descriptions and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war made the novel an instant success and a powerful piece of anti-war propaganda. After the war, Barbusse became increasingly involved in political activism. He joined the French Communist Party and devoted much of his later life to promoting socialism and pacifism. He continued to write, producing several other novels, essays, and biographies, including a notable biography of Joseph Stalin. Henri Barbusse’s influence extended beyond his literary achievements; he was a staunch advocate for peace and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on both literature and political thought.

5 Interesting Facts about Henri Barbusse

1. Henri Barbusse was awarded the Prix Goncourt in 1916 for his novel “Le Feu” (“Under Fire”).

2. He volunteered to serve in World War I at the age of 41, despite his frail health, and his experiences directly inspired his famous novel “Le Feu.”

3. Barbusse was a dedicated member of the French Communist Party and a vocal supporter of Soviet Russia.

4. He wrote a biography of Joseph Stalin, which was published in 1935.

5. Barbusse founded the literary magazine “Clarté” in 1919, which promoted socialist and pacifist ideas.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henri Barbusse

1. “One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak.”

2. “Two armies that fight each other is like one large army that commits suicide.”

3. “I am a warrior, so that my son may be a merchant, so that his son may be a poet.”

4. “The war is like an illness to which men are subjected, an illness that degrades them and forces them to do things they detest.”

5. “The pen is an instrument of war.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henri Barbusse’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his literary works, particularly “Le Feu,” brought him significant acclaim and financial success during his lifetime.