Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Rolland, Romain

ROLLAND, ROMAIN, a French author; born at Clamecy, in 1866. He received his education at the École Normale Supérieure, became a professor of the history of art at that school and taught there until the Sorbonne offered him a chair in his subject. He was recognized by the Academy in 1895 for his doctor's thesis. Later he wrote several plays, remarkable more for their style, vigor, and presentation of psychological analysis than for conformity to good dramatic construction. Beginning in 1903, he published noteworthy biographical and critical studies of musicians, artists, authors and upon aspects of the theater. He founded the “Revue Musicale” in 1901. As the author of “Jean-Christophe” he received one-quarter of the Nobel Prize in literature for 1915. This work, comprising three volumes has been translated into English and German.

ROMAIN ROLLAND