ABSTRACT
In order to evaluate Martin du Gard’s contribution to political thought, the bearing of his ideas on the contemporary trends of political philosophy, particularly on those in France, must first be explained. The theme of the events leading to the First World War is developed by Martin du Gard in retrospect as the novel Les Thibault was only published in a complete form in 1936. Hence, it is doubly significant in connection with two periods of time, as, first, it describes past events and, later, tells of their consequential sequei. Writing L’Eté 1914 on the eve of the Second World War, du Gard likens himself to the character of Jacques, who in the novel broadcasts his tracts dissuading French and German soldiers from engaging in mutual slaughter.1
