Men of Good Will

novel cycle by Romain

Also known as: “Les Hommes de bonne volonté”

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Article History

Men of Good Will, epic novel cycle by Jules Romains, published in French in 27 volumes as Les Hommes de bonne volonté between 1932 and 1946. The work was an attempt to re-create the spirit of a whole era of French society from Oct. 6, 1908, to Oct. 7, 1933. There is no central figure or family to provide a focus for the narrative, and the work is populated by a huge cast of characters. Each volume presents a different view of society and distinct incidents, including crimes treated in the manner of a detective story (as in Le Crime de Quinette, 1932), domestic scenes (Éros de Paris, 1932), and historical events (Verdun, 1938). The finest sections, such as the victory parade after World War I, exemplify the interest in collective life and emotion that is the basis of Unanimisme, the literary movement founded by Romains.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.