Antoine Blondin was a French writer, born on April 11, 1922, and passed away on June 7, 1991. He was a member of the literary group known as the Hussards, and also worked as a sports columnist for L'Équipe.
Blondin was the son of a poet, Germaine Blondin, and a printer's proof-reader. He earned a degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne after studying at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris and the Lycée Pierre Corneille in Rouen.
During World War II, Blondin was sent to Germany for compulsory war work and the experience inspired his first novel, L'Europe buissonnière, which was published in 1949 and won the Prix des Deux Magots.
Blondin's novels, such as Les Enfants du bon Dieu and L'Humeur vagabonde, confirmed his distinctive style, which critics compared to that of Stendhal and Jules Renard. His writing often featured wordplay, humor, and themes of friendship, bohemianism, and the historical shock of World War II.
In addition to his literary career, Blondin was a sports journalist and covered 27 editions of the Tour de France and seven Olympic Games for L'Équipe. He was known for his ability to turn even the most mundane events into significant ones, and his writing about the Tour de France was particularly celebrated for its ability to raise the status of the race.
Blondin was also a right-wing writer and monarchist, and wrote for publications such as Aspects de la France, La Nation Française, and Rivarol. However, he distanced himself from politics later in his life.
Blondin's writing was widely praised, and he won the 1977 Prix Goncourt de la Nouvelle for the short story collection Quat'saisons. He remained an active journalist until his death in 1991.
Despite his passing, Blondin's legacy continues to be celebrated, and his writing remains a testament to his unique style and perspective.
