Claudel, Paul 1868-1955
French poet, essayist and dramatist

He was born in Villeneuve-sur-F�re. He joined the diplomatic service and held posts in many parts of the world. This experience, with the early influence of the Symbolists, adds quality and richness to his work. His dramas, of which the most celebrated are L'Annonce faite � Marie (1892, 'The Annunciation'), Partage de Midi (1905, Eng trans Break of Noon, 1960), L'Otage (1909, Eng trans The Hostage, 1917) and Le Soulier de satin (1921, Eng trans The Satin Slipper, 1931), have a Wagnerian grandeur and, in many cases, an anti-Protestant violence that make them too strong for popular taste. He wrote memorable poetry - Cinq grandes Odes (1910, Eng trans Five Great Odes, 1967) and Corona benignitatis anni dei (1915, Eng trans Coronal, 1943) - and the libretti for two operas: Jeanne d'Arc au b�cher (1943, 'Joan of Arc at the Stake') by Arthur Honegger and Christophe Colomb (1930, Eng trans Christopher Columbus, 1930) by Darius Milhaud. His later writings were mainly devoted to biblical exegesis.

Bibliography: H A Waters, Paul Claudel (1970)