Death: April 14, 2009.
Comments: Maurice Druon was a French historian and historical fiction writer best known for his seven book series The Accursed Kings. He was born Maurice Kessel, but after his father committed suicide and his mother remarried and adopted Maurice, he took his adoptive father's name.
On the eve of World War II, Druon was called up for military service and began his writing career, penning an article for Paris-Soir. After France fell, he was demobilized and Druon returned to live in the free part of France, but left within a year to join Charles de Gaulle's forces. He was active in the Resistance, and with the help of his uncle he translated the French Resistance anthem Chants des Partisans.
After the war, Druon turned to scholarly writing, and in 1966 he was elected to the Académie Francaise, becoming the dean of the organization in 2007. Though his academic works secured his place in the Académie, his most popular work was the seven book historical fiction series detailing the collapse of the Capetian dynasty. George R.R. Martin has described this series as one of the inspirations behind his Song of Ice and Fire series, and has described Druon as the best French historical fiction writer since Alexander Dumas.
My reviews of Maurice Druon's books:
The Iron King
Other books by Maurice Druon that I have read but not reviewed:
None
Short fiction by Maurice Druon appearing in works that I have reviewed:
None
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