Seghers, Pierre (1906-87). French poet, anthologist, and publisher. He first came to prominence in the context of Resistance poetry to which he made a massive contribution as writer and organizer [see Occupation And Resistance]. Poètes casqués (1939-40) published soldiers' poetry. Thereafter, annual volumes (Poésie 1940, etc.) produced in the southern zone in collaboration with Aragon, Éluard, and others, gave poetry a cardinal role in the struggle against barbarism. The anthology La Résistance et ses poètes (1974) is an impressive monument to his achievements. After the war Seghers founded a publishing-house which is best known for the invaluable series ‘Poètes d'Aujourd'hui’ (over 100 titles), instrumental in bringing younger poets to public attention. In his own poetry (collected in Le Temps des merveilles, 1978) Seghers is always eloquent and accomplished, fusing public and private emotion in subtle but accessible language.
[Michael Sheringham]
