
author
1881–1971
A French essayist, critic, and public intellectual, he moved between literature, journalism, and politics in the first half of the 20th century. His work is closely tied to conservative and traditionalist debates in France, which gives his writing a distinct historical edge.

by René Gillouin
Born in 1881, René Gillouin was a French writer, literary critic, journalist, and political figure. Reference sources consistently describe him as an intellectual presence on the French right, and his career brought together literary commentary, social thought, and public life.
He studied at the École normale supérieure and wrote on a wide range of subjects, including literature, philosophy, and religion. Library and archival records also show the breadth of his published work, including essays and critical studies, which helped establish him as a recognizable voice in French letters.
Gillouin is often remembered today not only for his books and criticism but also for his traditionalist convictions and his support for Marshal Pétain during World War II. He died in 1971, leaving behind a body of work that reflects both the literary culture and the political tensions of his time.