Robert de Saint Jean's background

Robert de Saint Jean, who lived from 1901 to 1987, was a journalist, literary critic, and author known for his novel Le feu sacré published in 1936. He is most famous for his long friendship and romantic relationship with the writer Julien Green, which lasted for over six decades.

Journal d'un journaliste's publication

Saint Jean's Journal d'un journaliste was published in Les cahiers rouges in 1974. This journal spans from 1927 to 1971, covering Saint Jean’s encounters with important figures from the interwar period and the Fourth Republic, including visits to Jean Cocteau and an interview with André Malraux in Verrières.

Gaps in the journal

There are notable gaps in the journal, such as no entries from June 1939 to May 1945, when Saint Jean was in the United States, and from 1960 to 1970. These absences reflect periods when Saint Jean was not recording his experiences in detail.

Insights into notable figures

Saint Jean's journal provides detailed observations of literary and political figures, including Jean Cocteau, André Gide, André Malraux, and Julien Green. He records conversations and interactions, such as Gide discussing homosexuality with Green, noting that "The Uranist can be debauched without being thereby corrupted."

Political and social commentary

Saint Jean's entries include reflections on political events and social issues, such as the rise of Hitler in 1933, which he described as "Hitler au pouvoir. Engrenage irréversible." He also touches on topics like the constraints of bourgeois society and the complexities of personal relationships and societal norms.

Legacy of Saint Jean's work

Saint Jean's journal is noted for its humility and attention to detail, capturing the essence of the 20th century through the lens of a journalist. It offers a rich and detailed look at the literary and political landscape of the time, providing valuable insights into the lives of those who shaped it.