A 1907 doctoral thesis presented at the University of Paris solidified Pierre Lasserre’s reputation as a vocal critic of romanticism. This academic work, which argued that romantic ideals had significantly eroded the foundational concepts of monarchy in France, established him as a prominent intellectual figure within nationalist and neoroyalist circles during the early twentieth century.
Early Intellectual Formation
Educated at the Collège Stanislas de Paris and the University of Paris, Lasserre emerged as an agrégé in philosophy. During his formative years, he maintained close associations with Henri Vaugeois and Louis Dimier. His early output was marked by a strong nationalist stance and an anti-Dreyfusard position, leading him to become the primary literary critic for Action française.
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Lasserre played a significant role in introducing Nietzschean themes into neoroyalism. His focus on anti-romanticism, developed in dialogue with the ideas of Charles Maurras and the essayist Ernest Seillière, echoed counterrevolutionary traditions that later influenced Carl Schmitt. Before the outbreak of World War I, Lasserre actively engaged with the theories of Georges Sorel and collaborated with figures such as Charles Péguy.
Institutional Conflicts and Departure
A proponent of classical and humane studies, Lasserre campaigned against modernizing shifts within the French university system, a concern he shared with colleagues Henri Massis and Alfred de Tard. By 1914, his relationship with Action française dissolved. While others adopted his arguments against romanticism to assert that German culture was inherently corrupting, Lasserre remained a Germanophile, distancing himself from the group’s strict nationalist line.
Professional Recognition and Later Work
Following his break with nationalist factions, Lasserre pursued an orthodox academic career, eventually serving as Director of the École des Hautes-Études. His body of work included extensive literary criticism, studies on Frédéric Mistral and Ernest Renan, and investigations into musical philosophy. His contributions were honored with the Marcelin Guérin Prize in 1918, the Montyon Prize in 1919, and the Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française in 1922. He was also named a Knight of the Legion of Honour.
Fast facts
- Born: 1867, Orthez
- Died: 1930, Paris
- Education: Collège Stanislas de Paris; University of Paris
- Notable Employer: École pratique des hautes études
- Major Award: Grand prix de littérature de l'Académie française (1922)
- Final Resting Place: Orthez
Questions readers ask
What was Pierre Lasserre's stance on French romanticism?
He strongly opposed romanticism, arguing in his 1907 thesis that it negatively impacted the concepts of monarchy and culture in France.
Did Lasserre remain associated with the Action française throughout his career?
No, he broke ties with the organization and Charles Maurras in 1914 due to disagreements over nationalist policy and his own Germanophile views.
Achievements
- Marcelin Guérin Prize — 1918
- Montyon Prize — 1919
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Held posts at École pratique des hautes études
