Intelectuals and censorship in 20th century France

Abstract

On the 20th century, in France, lay intellectuals, on one side, catholics, on the other, defended censorship of literary Works, expositions, artists and even of comic books. The history of French intellectuals from this period covers the existence and action of conservative and reactionary figures, virulent in the expression of their convictions, coming mostly from the clerical environment, and that had great visibility and influence, not only in France. Although less remembered, it is important to understand the reach of their ideas, the way they are broadcasted, the harmful role they played, in its time, with slander and systematic condemnation of works, authors, artists, and the way they imposed on the State and acted on its behalf. Reconstituting this dimension of French intellectual history is fundamental today, when you can hear the echoes of totalitarianism from the religious base that progressively threatens individual liberties.