Breton, André, 1896-1966, French writer, founder and theorist of the surrealist movement. He studied neuropsychology and was one of the first in France to publicize the work of Freud. At first a Dadaist, he collaborated with Philippe Soupault in automatic writing in
Les Champs magnétiques (1921). He then turned to
surrealism, writing three manifestos (1924, 1930, 1934) and opening a studio for "surrealist research." Breton helped to found several reviews:
Littérature (1919),
Minotaure (1933), and
VVV (1944). His other works include
Nadja (1928, tr. 1960), a semiautobiographical novel;
What is Surrealism? (1934, tr. 1936);
Ode à Charles Fourier (1946); and
L' Art Magique (1957).
See biography by M. Polizzotti (1995); study by A. E. Balakian (1971); A. E. Balakian and R. E. Kuenzli, ed., André Breton Today (1989).
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