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Armel GuerneSwiss and French poet, translator, essayist
Date of Birth: 01.04.1911
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Literary Beginnings and Collaborations
- Resistance and Imprisonment during World War II
- Post-War Translation and Recognition
- Retirement and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Henri Michaux, a Swiss-French poet, translator, and essayist, was born into a family with Swiss and French heritage. His father, an engineer, and his French mother divorced in 1918, and Michaux went to live with his father in France. He completed his secondary education at the Lycée in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. After a falling out with his father in 1928, he pursued teaching French and gymnastics in a lyceum in Syria, returning to France in 1930. Michaux enrolled in the Sorbonne to continue his studies.
Literary Beginnings and Collaborations
In 1934, Michaux published his first collection of poems. He became acquainted with notable figures in the literary world, including André Masson, André Breton, Georges Bataille, and Paul Éluard. Michaux embarked on his passion for translation, notably with his renderings of Novalis' "Hymns" in 1938 and Rilke's works in 1940.
Resistance and Imprisonment during World War II
During World War II, Michaux actively participated in the Resistance, joining the British Special Operations Executive. He was arrested by the Gestapo in June 1943 and sent to detention camps. However, he managed to escape on his way to Buchenwald and made his way to London.
Post-War Translation and Recognition
After the war, Michaux dedicated himself to translating literature from German, English, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. His translations of German Romantics, including the anthology "German Romantics" in 1956, gained critical acclaim and were reissued multiple times. Michaux's circle of friends expanded to include Jean-Louis Barrault, Bernanos, Cioran, André Breton, Maurice Blanchot, Yves Bonnefoy, and Robert Sabatier.
Retirement and Legacy
In 1960, Michaux acquired a windmill in the Lot-et-Garonne department. He restored it and resided there from 1964 onwards. Among his literary accomplishments, Michaux compiled and annotated an edition of Nerval's works in 1966. Michaux passed away in a hospital from an aortic rupture following a thirteen-day coma. He was laid to rest in a cemetery near his beloved windmill.
