Occasions

A collection of Valery's occasional writings

This selection of Paul Valery's occasional pieces-speeches, interviews, and articles-reveals his life as a public figure in constant demand. Included are his speech upon his reception to the French Academy; his address welcoming Marshal Petain into the same body; memorial addresses honoring Emile Verhaeren and Henri Bremond; an article on the "Future of Literature"; and an incisive piece on the heroine of Racine's Phedre. These and the other selections show Valery as a man for every occasion, with pertinent, telling, and lasting comments to make.

The Collected Works of Paul Valery, the first collected edition of the writer in English, features new translations, the original French on facing pages for poetic works, and editorial notes.