James Baldwin in the City of Lights

Though James Baldwin spent much of his life in France, few people know about the early days in Paris that inspired perhaps the greatest love story about life in Paris, Giovanni’s Room. From his conversations in the Latin Quarter with French existentialists and Algerian revolutionaries to his travels to the South of France, this seminar is both a story of James Baldwin’s love for another country as well as an analysis of his contribution to the Civil Rights movement and American letters. 

Beginning with the story of Baldwin’s early years and his flight from the USA, this seminar will also cover Baldwin’s discovery of France, his writing style and philosophy, and his important and famous feud with fellow Paris-based author Richard Wright on the Boulevard Saint Germain. Participants will not only leave this seminar with a better understanding of James Baldwin as an ex-pat, but will also have a better appreciation for his indelible work concerning the Civil Rights Movement and modern American letters.

Led by Samuél Lopez-Barrantes, a novelist and creative writing professor at the Sorbonne, this interactive seminar will cover James Baldwin’s life in France as well as his particular writing style and philosophy, and how the City of Lights inspired one of the greatest authors in American history.

Recommended Reading:

A Day in the Life of a Narrative

***

🗓 ii Calendar

📋 Code of Conduct

📚 Become a member, get a free ticket every month (FAQ), access our forums, members-only events, and more!