# Henry de Montherlant

> French writer (1895–1972)

**Wikidata**: [Q379956](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q379956)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_de_Montherlant)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-de-montherlant

## Summary
Henry de Montherlant was a prominent French writer, novelist, playwright, and poet who lived from 1895 to 1972. A distinguished member of the Académie Française, he is recognized for his significant literary contributions and his service during World War I, for which he received multiple military decorations. His career was marked by the Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française and his induction as an Officer of the Legion of Honour.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 20, 1895
- **Nationality**: French (Citizenship: France)
- **Education**: Lycée Janson-de-Sailly (Secondary school in Paris)
- **Known for**: Literary works as a novelist, playwright, and poet; membership in the Académie Française
- **Employer(s)**: Académie Française (Member)
- **Field(s)**: Literature (Novel writing, Playwriting, Poetry)

## Contributions
Henry de Montherlant's primary contributions lie in the realm of French literature, where he produced works across multiple genres.
- **Literary Output**: He authored novels, plays, and poetry, establishing himself as a versatile writer within the French literary canon.
- **Academy Membership**: He became a member of the Académie Française, the pre-eminent council for the French language, solidifying his status as a guardian of French literary tradition.
- **Awards and Recognition**: His body of work earned him the Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française, a prestigious literary award established in 1911.
- **Military Service**: He served during World War I (1914–1918), a conflict that influenced his life and work, leading to his receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 and the Croix du combattant volontaire 1914-1918.
- **Honors**: He was appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour, the second rank of this French order, and received the Montyon Prize, a group of awards given yearly by the French Academy.

## FAQs
**What were Henry de Montherlant's primary occupations?**
He was a multifaceted writer who worked as a novelist, playwright, and poet. His career was defined by his ability to communicate ideas through various written forms, contributing significantly to French literature.

**Which institutions was Henry de Montherlant affiliated with?**
He was educated at the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly in Paris and later became a member of the Académie Française. These affiliations highlight his deep connection to French educational and linguistic institutions.

**What military honors did Henry de Montherlant receive?**
He was decorated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 and the Croix du combattant volontaire 1914-1918 for his service during World War I. These awards recognize his voluntary combat participation and bravery during the global conflict.

**Did Henry de Montherlant receive any major literary awards?**
Yes, he was the recipient of the Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française and the Montyon Prize. These accolades underscore the high regard in which his literary works were held by his contemporaries and the French Academy.

**When did Henry de Montherlant live?**
He was born on April 20, 1895, and passed away on September 21, 1972. His life spanned nearly eight decades, covering significant historical periods including both World Wars.

## Why They Matter
Henry de Montherlant matters as a defining figure in 20th-century French literature whose work bridged the gap between classical traditions and modern sensibilities. His induction into the Académie Française signifies his role in shaping and preserving the French language and literary standards. By serving in World War I and documenting the human experience through his novels, plays, and poetry, he provided a cultural record of his era. His receipt of the Legion of Honour and the Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française demonstrates the profound impact his writing had on French cultural identity. Without his contributions, the landscape of French drama and the novel would lack a distinct voice that explored the complexities of human nature and national history.

## Notable For
- **Académie Française Membership**: Inducted as a member of the pre-eminent council for the French language.
- **Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française**: Recipient of this major French literary award.
- **Military Decorations**: Holder of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 and the Croix du combattant volontaire 1914-1918.
- **Officer of the Legion of Honour**: Recognized with the second rank of France's highest order of merit.
- **Montyon Prize**: Recipient of awards granted yearly by the French Academy.
- **Multigenre Author**: Successfully wrote novels, plays, and poetry.
- **World War I Veteran**: Served during the 1914–1918 global conflict.
- **Lycée Janson-de-Sailly Alumnus**: Educated at this notable secondary school in Paris.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Henry de Montherlant was born on April 20, 1895, in France. He pursued his secondary education at the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly, a prominent school located in Paris. This institution laid the groundwork for his future intellectual and literary pursuits. His full name was Henry Marie Joseph Frédéric Expédite Millon de Montherlant.

### Military Service and World War I
A significant chapter in Montherlant's life was his participation in World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918. His service during this global conflict was recognized with several military decorations. He was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration established in 1915. Additionally, he received the Croix du combattant volontaire 1914-1918, an honor created in 1935 to recognize voluntary combatants. These awards highlight his direct involvement and bravery during the war years.

### Literary Career and Genres
Montherlant established himself as a versatile writer, working across multiple genres including the novel, the play, and poetry. As a novelist, he contributed to the literary canon with works that explored complex human themes. His work as a playwright brought his narratives to the stage, while his poetry offered a more condensed form of expression. His writing career was characterized by a deep engagement with French culture and history.

### Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Montherlant received numerous accolades that affirmed his status in the literary world. He was awarded the Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française, a prestigious honor established in 1911. He also received the Montyon Prize, which consists of four yearly awards given by the French Academy. In recognition of his overall contributions to France, he was named an Officer of the Legion of Honour, the second rank of this distinguished order.

### Affiliations and Institutional Roles
Montherlant's career was closely tied to major French institutions. He was a member of the Académie Française, the body responsible for matters pertaining to the French language. This membership placed him among the most respected literary figures in the country. His educational background at the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly in Paris further connected him to the French intellectual elite.

### Personal Details and Identifiers
Henry de Montherlant lived from April 20, 1895, until September 21, 1972. He was a citizen of France, a country in Western Europe. His life and work are documented under various identifiers, including the Wikidata ID Q403190 and the GND ID 118736752. He is associated with the conflict of World War I and is classified as an instance of a human and a writer. His legacy is preserved through numerous library and archival records, including entries in the Library of Congress and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Fichier des personnes décédées mirror
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5. LIBRIS. 2012
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10. [Source](https://www.montherlant.be/article-117-duroisin.html)
11. academie-francaise.fr
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18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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20. [Le Monde. 1972](http://abonnes.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1972/09/26/henry-de-montherlant-sera-incinere_2390418_1819218.html)
21. nobelprize.org
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25. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
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