Bernard Barbey
Swiss diplomat and writer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bernard Barbey (2 July 1900 – 25 January 1970) was a Swiss diplomat, writer, and military officer from Vaud.[1] He was known for his literary works and his service during World War II as a close aide to Henri Guisan, the Swiss army general.[2]
Bernard Barbey | |
|---|---|
Bernard Barbey in military uniform. | |
| Born | July 2, 1900 |
| Died | January 25, 1970 (aged 69) |
| Occupations | Diplomat, writer, military officer |
Biography
Born in Montcherand, Barbey studied in Geneva and Lausanne before moving to Paris to pursue a literary career. He collaborated with La Revue hebdomadaire and befriended notable writers such as Jean Cocteau and François Mauriac.[3] His first novel, Le Cœur gros (1924), gained critical acclaim and led to further works including La Maladère (1926) and Ambassadeur de France (1934).[2]
During World War II, Barbey served as a lieutenant colonel in the Swiss army and became chief of staff to General Henri Guisan. He documented this period in his memoir P.C. du Général (1947).[2] Barbey also played a key role in aiding the French Resistance.[4][5]
Following the war, he served as a cultural attaché at the Swiss Legation in Paris, the Hôtel de Besenval, and represented Switzerland at UNESCO.[1] His final novel, Chevaux abandonnés sur le champ de bataille, won the Grand Prix du roman de l'Académie française in 1951.[2][6][7][8]
He died in a car accident in Boulogne-Billancourt in 1970.[2]
Selected works
- Le Cœur gros (1924)
- La Maladère (1926)
- Toute à tous (1930)
- La Maison d'illusion (1933)
- Ambassadeur de France (1934)
- Le Crépuscule du matin (1938)
- P.C. du Général (1947)
- Chevaux abandonnés sur le champ de bataille (1951)
- Aller et Retour (1967)