Henri Massis

Born in Paris on March 21, 1886, Henri Massis became known as a French essayist, literary critic, and literary historian. He studied at Lycée Condorcet and the University of Paris, and began publishing young, including early collaborative works under the pen name Agathon.

Massis built his reputation through essays and criticism that engaged with literature, culture, Catholic thought, and politics. He was associated with conservative intellectual circles, contributed to L’Action française, and co-founded La Revue universelle. Among his better-known books is La Défense de l’Occident, which reflects his deep concern with the direction of European civilization.

His public life was complex and remains historically debated because of his strong political commitments. Even so, his place in French literary culture was significant enough that he was elected to the Académie française in 1960. He died in Paris on April 16, 1970.