Journal (1939-1945)

Maurice Garçon (1889-1967) was one of the greatest lawyers of his time.From 1912 until his death, he chronicled almost nightly every trivial or significant event he either witnessed or participated in.This first volume of his previously unpublished journal covers – at times hour by hour – the war, the defeat, the occupation and the liberation. At the age of 50, the lawyer had reached the peak of his art. His notes also reflect his keen observational skills and an enviable writing talent. There is a touch of Albert Londres in Maurice Garçon's work. Nothing eluded his curiosity: he would criss-cross Paris and the provinces, ferreting out facts, double-checking them and writing them down, constantly applying – to his credit – the rare self-discipline of not rewriting anything: what people are reading is his rough draft, reported on-the-spot.Originally a staunch "Marshalist," Garçon switched sides after the armistice and, once Pétain was voted in, never stopped criticising “the old man,” expressing his patriotic fury, merciless dismay, anger, hope, despair, shame over the collaboration, and virulently attacking the new Vichy laws. His journal brims over with countless portraits, anecdotes, and little-known details. He shares with readers his encounters at the Palais de Justice with distinguished lawyers of the time, who were often making political headlines. Maurice Garçon knew everyone and took part in all major trials, from criminal cases to political scandals.Even before the war, his scholarly court pleadings had earned him the reputation of a literary – even mundane – lawyer and future academician. A whole gallery of prominent people pass through his pages: writers, painters, actors and publishers.This book invites us on an astounding journey through those dark years via an instantaneous and gripping history.