Didn’t Marcel Espiau leave his mark on the world of journalism and literature? This plaque honors a man of many talents. It marks the spot where Marcel Espiau once lived at 31 rue Saint-Placide. Espiau was born in the 7th arrondissement of Paris in 1899. He died in the 15th arrondissement in 1971.
Marcel Espiau was more than just a journalist. He was also a playwright and a co-founder of the Prix Renaudot. This prestigious literary award recognizes outstanding French literature. Espiau’s contributions to the arts are forever etched in Parisian history.
At just 17 years old, Marcel Espiau bravely volunteered for service in World War I. He served in the 34th R.A. Then he moved to the 83rd R.A in sector 20. There he achieved the rank of Maréchal des logis.
After the war, Espiau embarked on a dual career. He became both a playwright and a journalist. From 1920 onward, for eight years, he wrote over 2,500 articles. These appeared in major publications like Candide and Le Figaro. His writing spanned across L’Auto, L’Éclair, and Les Nouvelles Littéraires.
In 1923, Espiau co-founded “Groupe des moins de trente ans” with Pol Rab. This group greatly influenced the intellectual youth after the war.
Espiau was one of the founders of the Prix Théophraste Renaudot in 1926. He worked alongside Gaston Picard and Georges Charensol. They created this prize with other young literary critics. They awaited the announcement of the Prix Goncourt laureate.
Marcel Espiau joined L’Ami du peuple in 1928. He was the chief reporter there. He wrote over 300 articles. His reports included “Puits aux hommes” about miners in 1934. Another was “En Méditerranée sous pavillon français” about the merchant navy in 1935. He covered the Tour de France nine times. He added a unique blend of tourism and gastronomy to its coverage.
He gave over 200 radio lectures. He also wrote economic and political studies about Europe and the Middle East. Espiau covered over 500 trials as a judicial columnist. He worked for various newspapers. These trials took place in Paris and throughout the provinces.
His play “Le miroir qui fait rire” premiered at the Théâtre des Capucines. Renowned actors Harry Baur and Renée Falconetti starred in it. It was translated into eight languages. It was performed in 14 countries.
Marcel Espiau continued his career from 1948 to 1971. He worked for various newspapers. He also wrote monographs of painters.
In 1953, he created the “Grand prix de littérature enfantine du Salon de l’enfance”. Upon his death in 1971, he was buried in the Cimetière Sud de Saint-Mandé.
The Marcel Espiau Plaque commemorates his life and work. It is a tribute to a man who significantly contributed to French journalism, literature, and culture. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Marcel Espiau. He lived and worked to enrich the cultural landscape of Paris and beyond.