Roger Peyrefitte

Pierre Roger Peyrefitte (1907-2000) was a French diplomat and writer born in Castres, France, known for his controversial novels exploring homoerotic themes and defenses of gay rights. His debut novel Les amitiés particulières (1943) won the Prix Renaudot and was adapted into a film; other notable works include Les Clés de saint Pierre (1953) and historical biographies like those of Alexander the Great and Voltaire. After a diplomatic career in Athens and Paris, he became a prominent literary figure, often clashing with the Catholic Church and figures like François Mauriac.