**Nouvelle Revue Française**
**Definition**
The *Nouvelle Revue Française* (NRF) is a prestigious French literary magazine founded in 1909, known for its influential role in shaping modern French literature and criticism. It has served as a platform for many prominent writers and intellectuals, contributing significantly to literary movements throughout the 20th century and beyond.
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# Nouvelle Revue Française
The *Nouvelle Revue Française* (NRF) is one of the most important and enduring literary journals in France. Established in the early 20th century, it has played a pivotal role in the development of French literature, providing a forum for new ideas, literary experimentation, and critical discourse. Over more than a century, the NRF has been closely associated with some of the most significant literary figures and movements in France, influencing both national and international literary culture.
## History
### Origins and Founding (1908–1914)
The *Nouvelle Revue Française* was founded in 1908 by a group of young writers and intellectuals, including André Gide, Jacques Copeau, and Jean Schlumberger. The first issue was published in November 1909. The founders sought to create a literary review that would break away from the traditional and academic styles dominating French literature at the time. They aimed to promote new literary voices and foster a spirit of innovation and critical engagement.
The NRF quickly established itself as a leading literary journal by publishing works from emerging and established authors alike. It became a vehicle for the dissemination of modernist ideas and was instrumental in introducing French readers to new literary trends and philosophies.
### Interwar Period (1918–1939)
After World War I, the NRF resumed publication and continued to grow in influence. During the interwar years, it became a central platform for writers associated with various literary movements, including Surrealism and Existentialism. The journal published works by authors such as Marcel Proust, Paul Valéry, and André Malraux, among others.
The NRF also played a role in the intellectual debates of the time, engaging with political and philosophical issues through essays and critical reviews. Its editorial line was marked by a commitment to literary quality and intellectual rigor, which helped maintain its prestige.
### World War II and Occupation (1939–1945)
The outbreak of World War II and the German occupation of France posed significant challenges for the NRF. The journal’s publication was interrupted, and its editors faced difficult choices regarding collaboration and resistance. Some contributors were involved in the French Resistance, while others faced censorship or exile.
Despite these difficulties, the NRF managed to survive the war years, although its editorial direction and staff underwent changes. The post-war period saw a renewal of the journal’s mission and a reassertion of its role in French literary life.
### Postwar Revival and Influence (1945–1970)
Following the liberation of France, the NRF resumed regular publication and reestablished itself as a leading literary review. It became closely associated with the rise of existentialist and later structuralist thought, publishing works by Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Claude Lévi-Strauss.
During this period, the NRF also expanded its scope to include critical essays, philosophical reflections, and discussions on cultural and political issues. It remained a key forum for intellectual debate and literary innovation.
### Late 20th Century to Present
In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st, the NRF continued to adapt to changing literary and cultural landscapes. It embraced new literary forms and voices, including postmodern and contemporary authors. The journal maintained its reputation for high-quality literary criticism and for discovering and promoting emerging writers.
The NRF also became associated with the publishing house Gallimard, which helped to consolidate its position in the French literary world. Today, the *Nouvelle Revue Française* remains a respected and influential publication, continuing its tradition of fostering literary excellence and intellectual engagement.
## Editorial Philosophy and Impact
### Literary Innovation and Modernism
From its inception, the NRF was committed to literary innovation. It championed modernist aesthetics and sought to challenge established literary conventions. The journal provided a platform for experimental writing and new narrative techniques, influencing the development of French literature in the 20th century.
### Intellectual Engagement
Beyond literature, the NRF has been a space for intellectual discourse, engaging with philosophy, politics, and cultural criticism. Its contributors have included some of the most prominent French thinkers, and the journal has often reflected broader intellectual currents in French society.
### Promotion of New Writers
The NRF has played a crucial role in launching the careers of many important writers. By publishing early works of authors who would later become literary giants, the journal has helped shape the canon of French literature.
### Relationship with Gallimard
The association with Éditions Gallimard, one of France’s leading publishing houses, has been significant for the NRF. Gallimard’s support has ensured the journal’s financial stability and facilitated the publication of books by NRF contributors, reinforcing the journal’s influence.
## Notable Contributors
The *Nouvelle Revue Française* has featured contributions from a wide array of distinguished writers, poets, philosophers, and critics. Some of the most notable include:
– **Marcel Proust** – whose serialized work *In Search of Lost Time* appeared in the journal.
– **André Gide** – co-founder and frequent contributor, influential in shaping the journal’s direction.
– **Paul Valéry** – poet and essayist whose works were regularly published.
– **Jean-Paul Sartre** – philosopher and novelist, central to existentialist thought.
– **Simone de Beauvoir** – philosopher and feminist writer.
– **Albert Camus** – novelist and philosopher associated with absurdism.
– **Marguerite Duras** – novelist and playwright.
– **Claude Lévi-Strauss** – anthropologist and structuralist thinker.
These contributors, among many others, have helped the NRF maintain its status as a cornerstone of French literary culture.
## Format and Content
The *Nouvelle Revue Française* typically publishes a mix of literary works, including poetry, short stories, novel excerpts, and essays. It also features critical reviews, philosophical reflections, and discussions on cultural and political topics. The journal is known for its rigorous editorial standards and its commitment to intellectual depth.
Issues are usually released quarterly, with each edition focusing on a range of themes and featuring contributions from both established and emerging writers.
## Influence on French and Global Literature
The NRF’s influence extends beyond France, impacting literary and intellectual circles worldwide. Its promotion of modernist and postmodernist literature has shaped global literary trends. The journal’s role in fostering dialogue between literature and philosophy has also contributed to the development of critical theory and cultural studies.
Many international writers and scholars have engaged with the NRF’s content, and its legacy continues to inform contemporary literary criticism and creative writing.
## Challenges and Criticism
Like many long-standing literary institutions, the *Nouvelle Revue Française* has faced challenges, including debates over its editorial direction, questions about its accessibility to broader audiences, and the pressures of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Critics have sometimes accused the journal of elitism or of being overly insular. However, its defenders argue that its commitment to literary quality and intellectual rigor justifies its selective approach.
## Conclusion
The *Nouvelle Revue Française* remains a vital institution in French literary culture. Its century-long history reflects the evolution of French literature and intellectual life, marked by a dedication to innovation, critical inquiry, and the promotion of literary excellence. As it continues to publish new voices and ideas, the NRF upholds its tradition as a beacon of French letters.
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**Meta Description**
The *Nouvelle Revue Française* is a seminal French literary magazine founded in 1909, renowned for its role in shaping modern French literature and intellectual thought. It has published many of France’s most influential writers and remains a key platform for literary innovation and criticism.