Paul Éluard Autograph

Profession:
(born Eugène Émile Paul Grindel; 1895-1952) French poet and one of the founders of the Surrealist movement

Year of Birth: 1895

Paul Éluard was a prominent French poet and one of the founding members of the Surrealist movement. He was born as Eugène Emile Paul Grindel on December 14, 1895 in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris. His early years were marked by tragedy, as his father died when he was only seven years old.

Éluard began writing poetry at a young age and published his first collection, "Le Devoir et l'Inquiétude" in 1917 under the pseudonym Paul Éluard. He quickly gained recognition for his innovative use of language and his exploration of love, politics, and the human experience.

During World War I, Éluard served in the French army and was deeply affected by the horrors of war. This experience shaped much of his poetry, which often dealt with themes of peace, love, and social justice. In 1918, he was wounded in the war and spent several months recovering in a military hospital.

In the 1920s, Éluard became involved with the Surrealist movement and formed close friendships with fellow poets such as André Breton and Louis Aragon. He contributed to many Surrealist publications and was known for his passionate advocacy of the movement's ideals.

Throughout his career, Éluard published numerous collections of poetry, including "Capitale de la douleur" (1926) and "L'Amour la poésie" (1929). His work was celebrated for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, and he remains one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.

Paul Éluard died on November 18, 1952 in Charenton-le-Pont, France. His legacy endures through his poetry, which continues to inspire readers around the world with its timeless themes and profound insights into the human experience.