Meissonier

Henri Barbusse, a French novelist and Communist Party member, had a diverse background with a French father and English mother. He moved to Paris at 16 and later enlisted in the French Army during World War I at age 41. Serving on the western front for 17 months, he faced multiple health issues that led to his reassignment to a clerical role. His bravery was recognized with the Croix de guerre in 1915. Barbusse's experiences in the war deeply influenced his literary work and political views.