author
Paul Valéry
1871–1945
A leading French poet and essayist, he brought unusual precision and musicality to modern literature. Best known for works like La Jeune Parque and Le Cimetière marin, he explored poetry, art, and the workings of the mind with equal intensity.
4 Audiobooks
Variété I
by Paul Valéry
Charmes
by Paul Valéry
Introduction à la méthode de Léonard de Vinci
by Paul Valéry
Monsieur Teste
by Paul Valéry
About the author
Born in Sète, France, on October 30, 1871, Paul Valéry became one of the most influential French writers of the early 20th century. He wrote poetry, essays, and dialogues, and he was also known for his sharp reflections on art, literature, history, and thought.
After writing early poems connected with the Symbolist movement, he spent many years focused more on intellectual study and private notebooks than on publishing verse. He returned to poetry with La Jeune Parque in 1917, followed by collections including Charmes in 1922, which contains his celebrated poem Le Cimetière marin.
Valéry died in Paris on July 20, 1945. His work remains admired for its clarity, discipline, and fascination with consciousness itself, making him a rewarding author for listeners who enjoy elegant language and big ideas.