Julien Benda (1867-1956) was a French cultural critic and novelist. He is best known for his La Trahison des clercs ("the treason of the intellectuals"), which became a lasting international catch-cry. Julien Benda was born in Paris on December 27,...

1. Television has greatly narrowed the freedom of the intellectual to do his job and "disturb the public peace." 100 years ago, the French intellectual Julien Benda could stand up against the establishment for Alfred Dreyfus "because he was innocent... in the name of universal...

Niess is an American writer and professor of French. In the following excerpt, he examines Benda's view of literature and literary artists.

In the following excerpt, Nichols articulates a distinction in Benda's work between the clerc and the intellectual.

Schalk is an American writer and educator. In the following excerpt, he considers Benda's views on political engagement and examines the critical reception of Th e Treason of the Intellectuals, as well as the practical understanding of Benda's ideas by various thinkers.