Ceux de 14


Ceux de 14 is a series of five autobiographical books about World War I by the French writer Maurice Genevoix. It was published from 1916 to 1923 and revised into a single work published in 1949. Only the first book, Neath Verdun, has been published in English.

Summary

Genevoix retells his experiences as a young lieutenant in the French infantry during the first nine months of World War I. Few of the soldiers he led survived the war. According to Genevoix, the names of soldiers and civilians are invented, but all the people portrayed are real.

Volumes

  1. Neath Verdun: August–October, 1914 , translated into English by H. Grahame Richards, Hutchinson & Co. 1916
  2. Nuits de guerre
  3. Au seuil des guitounes
  4. La Boue
  5. Les Éparges
  • ''Ceux de 14''

Reception

The first volume was shortlisted for the Prix Goncourt and the second was shortlisted for the Prix Femina. The first two volumes received the Prix Marcelin Guérin from the Académie Française together.

Adaptation

Ceux de 14 was the basis for France 3's six-part television serial from 2014. It was directed by Olivier Schatzky and stars in the role of Genevoix.