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Henri Joseph DulaurensFrench writer and philosopher.
Date of Birth: 27.03.1719
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Disillusionment with Catholicism
- Arrival in Paris and Literary Career
- "Le Compère Mathieu"
- Imprisonment and Death
- Voltaire's Influence
- Russian Translation and Censorship
Early Life and Education
Jacques-Henri Desmoulins was born into a family of surgeons in 1760. He received his education at a Jesuit college, where he took monastic vows at the age of 18.
Disillusionment with Catholicism
Desmoulins quickly grew disillusioned with Catholicism and left the monastery. He began publishing anti-clerical pamphlets, denouncing the hypocrisy and corruption within the Church.
Arrival in Paris and Literary Career
In 1761, Desmoulins moved to Paris and embarked on a prolific literary career. He published numerous works, both in poetry and prose, under various pseudonyms and anonymous names.
"Le Compère Mathieu"
Desmoulins' masterpiece, "Le Compère Mathieu, ou les transformations de l'esprit humain," was published in 1766. It was a satirical novel that criticized the Church and its influence on society.
Imprisonment and Death
Desmoulins' writing drew the ire of the ecclesiastical authorities, who arrested him and imprisoned him. He spent the rest of his life in prison, where he eventually died.
Voltaire's Influence
The renowned philosopher Voltaire was an admirer of Desmoulins' novel and allegedly knew of his fate. To protect Desmoulins, Voltaire attributed a new novella, "L'Ingénu," to him.
Russian Translation and Censorship
In 1803, "Le Compère Mathieu" was translated into Russian and banned immediately. The ban was later lifted, but the translator, P.A. Pelskii, who had approved the publication, faced persecution and is believed to have died as a result. His obituary stated that his "bold undertaking" in translating the "extremely audacious" work had led to his premature demise.
