author
Henri Ghéon
1875–1944
A French writer who moved from medicine into literature, he became known for plays, poetry, novels, and criticism, then later turned toward religious drama after a return to Catholic faith during World War I.
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About the author
Born Henri Vangeon in Bray-sur-Seine on March 15, 1875, he wrote under the name Henri Ghéon. Trained as a doctor in Paris, he became part of the lively literary world around the Nouvelle Revue Française and built a reputation as a playwright, novelist, poet, and critic.
His life took a decisive turn during World War I, when he returned to the Catholic faith of his childhood. That change shaped much of his later work, and he went on to write many plays with spiritual and historical themes, helping bring religious theater to a wide audience in France.
He died in Paris on June 13, 1944. Today he is remembered for the unusual path he followed—from medicine to modern literary circles to faith-centered drama—and for the range and conviction of his writing.