# Maurice Druon

> French novelist

**Wikidata**: [Q223949](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223949)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Druon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maurice-druon

## Summary
Maurice Druon was a prominent French novelist, politician, and screenwriter born in 1918, best known for authoring the historical novel series *The Accursed Kings*. A member of the Académie Française, he also served in high-level government roles, including as Secretary of State for Information, and received numerous international honors such as the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. His literary and political career spanned over six decades, leaving a lasting mark on French culture and international relations.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 23, 1918 (Paris, France, inferred from citizenship and context)
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: Educated at Lycée Louis-le-Grand; winner of the Concours général; holds honorary doctorates from the University of Toronto and the University of Tirana.
- **Known for**: Writing the historical novel series *The Accursed Kings* and serving as a French politician and member of the Académie Française.
- **Employer(s)**: French Government (Secretary of State for Information); Académie Française; Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
- **Field(s)**: Literature (Novel, Screenwriting, Children's Literature), Politics, Journalism.

## Contributions
Maurice Druon's primary contribution to literature is the creation of *The Accursed Kings* (*Les Rois maudits*), a multi-volume historical novel series that dramatizes the decline of the Capetian dynasty. This work, which includes titles such as *The Iron King* and *The Strangled Queen*, was later adapted into a successful television series and is considered a landmark in historical fiction. In the realm of politics, he served as Secretary of State for Information under President Charles de Gaulle, where he influenced French media policy and cultural diplomacy. He also contributed to the field of children's literature and wrote screenplays for film and television adaptations of his own works. His academic and cultural influence is further evidenced by his election to the Académie Française, where he presided over the regulation of the French language, and his membership in the Romanian Academy.

## FAQs
**What is Maurice Druon most famous for?**
He is best known for writing *The Accursed Kings*, a celebrated series of historical novels that explores the political intrigues of 14th-century France. This series was so influential that it was adapted into a major television production and inspired the game *Game of Thrones*.

**Did Maurice Druon hold any government positions?**
Yes, he served as the Secretary of State for Information in France, a role where he managed the country's media and communication strategies during a pivotal era of the Fifth Republic. He was also an active member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

**What awards did Maurice Druon receive during his lifetime?**
His accolades include the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest distinction in France, and the Prix Goncourt for his literary achievements. He was also decorated with the Order of Friendship from the Soviet Union and the Order of Friendship of Peoples, alongside honorary doctorates from universities in Canada and Albania.

**Where did Maurice Druon receive his education?**
He attended the prestigious Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris and distinguished himself as a winner of the Concours général, an annual academic competition for high school students in France.

**Was Maurice Druon involved in international organizations?**
Yes, he was a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and held membership in the Romanian Academy, reflecting his broad engagement with European and international cultural and political affairs.

## Why They Matter
Maurice Druon matters because he bridged the worlds of high literature and active political governance, using his literary fame to influence French cultural policy and international diplomacy. His work on *The Accursed Kings* revitalized interest in medieval French history and established a narrative template for modern political thrillers and historical dramas. By serving in the Académie Française, he played a direct role in preserving and shaping the French language, ensuring its standards were maintained during a period of rapid global change. His receipt of awards from both Western and Eastern bloc nations, such as the Soviet Order of Friendship, highlights his unique position as a cultural diplomat who maintained relevance across the Iron Curtain. Without his contributions, the landscape of French historical fiction would lack one of its most enduring series, and the intersection of French politics and literature would be less defined by his specific era of service.

## Notable For
- **Author of *The Accursed Kings***: Created a seminal historical novel series that defined the genre for generations.
- **Académie Française Member**: Elected to the pre-eminent council for the French language, serving as a guardian of linguistic standards.
- **Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour**: Received the fifth rank of France's highest order of merit for his public service and literary contributions.
- **Prix Goncourt Winner**: Awarded France's most prestigious literary prize for his novelistic work.
- **Secretary of State for Information**: Held a key government position managing national information and media under the Fifth Republic.
- **International Decorations**: Recipient of the Order of Friendship (Russia) and the Order of Friendship of Peoples (Soviet Union).
- **Honorary Doctorates**: Recognized by the University of Toronto and the University of Tirana for his intellectual contributions.
- **Screenwriter**: Adapted his own literary works for film and television, expanding his reach beyond print.
- **Children's Writer**: Produced literature specifically targeted at younger audiences, diversifying his literary portfolio.
- **Member of the Romanian Academy**: Recognized internationally for his contributions to culture and sciences.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Maurice Druon was born on April 23, 1918, in France. He pursued his education at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, a public school in Paris with a long history of academic excellence. During his school years, he demonstrated exceptional academic ability by winning the Concours général, an annual French academic competition for 11th and 12th-grade students. His early academic success laid the foundation for his future career in literature and public service.

### Literary Career and Major Works
Druon's literary career began in the early 1940s, with his work period starting in 1942. He is most renowned for *The Accursed Kings*, a historical novel series that chronicles the fall of the Capetian dynasty. This series is a cornerstone of French historical fiction and has been adapted into various media, including a popular television series. In addition to his historical epics, Druon wrote screenplays for films and television, as well as literature targeted primarily at children. His writing style, characterized by prose that applies ordinary grammatical structure and natural flow of speech, resonated with a wide audience. He was also a member of the Académie Française, the pre-eminent council for the French language, which he joined to help regulate and preserve the language.

### Political Career and Public Service
Beyond his literary achievements, Druon was an active politician who held or sought positions in government. He served as the Secretary of State for Information, a role that placed him at the center of French media and communication policy. His political engagement extended to the international stage, where he was a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. This assembly, founded in 1949, focuses on parliamentary cooperation and human rights across Europe. Druon's involvement in these organizations underscored his commitment to democratic values and international dialogue. He was also a member of the Romanian Academy, further demonstrating his influence in European cultural and political spheres.

### Awards and Recognition
Maurice Druon received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, reflecting his impact on both French and international society. In France, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest rank of the French Legion of Honour, and the Prix Goncourt, a prestigious French literary award established in 1903. Internationally, he received the Order of Friendship from the Russian Federation and the Order of Friendship of Peoples from the Soviet Union, highlighting his role as a cultural bridge between East and West. He was also honored with honorary doctorates from the University of Toronto in Canada and the University of Tirana in Albania. Other recognitions included the Prince Pierre Award and the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

### Legacy and Influence
Druon's legacy is defined by his dual impact as a writer and a statesman. His novels, particularly *The Accursed Kings*, continue to be read and studied for their historical insight and narrative power. His work in the Académie Française ensured that the French language remained a central part of his professional life, influencing generations of writers and speakers. Politically, his service in the French government and international assemblies contributed to the shaping of post-war European policies. His ability to navigate both the literary and political worlds made him a unique figure in 20th-century French history. He passed away on April 14, 2009, leaving behind a rich body of work and a legacy of public service.

### Personal Details and Identifiers
Maurice Druon's full name was Maurice Samuel Roger Charles Druon. He held French citizenship and was a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Académie Française and the Romanian Academy. His work period spanned from 1942 until his death in 2009. He was associated with various identifiers in library and academic databases, including ISNI, VIAF, and GND numbers, which catalog his extensive contributions to literature and politics. His life and work are documented in numerous sources, reflecting his enduring significance in French culture.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
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6. [Source](http://concoursgeneral.free.fr/assoc/histoire/histoire.html)
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12. [Source](https://www.tombes-sepultures.com/crbst_1430.html)
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17. [Source](https://alacademia.org.ma/membre/%d9%85%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b3-%d8%af%d9%92%d8%b1%d9%8a%d9%88%d9%86-2/)
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