Les Rolland, Romain 1866-1944 creator text utu 2011 monographic fr 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Les Précurseurs" by Romain Rolland is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century, particularly during the tumultuous years surrounding World War I. The work serves as a tribute to courageous individuals from various nations who have maintained their intellectual freedom and commitment to internationalism amidst the chaos of war and the rising tide of reactionary sentiments. Notable figures highlighted in the book include Bertrand Russell, Gorki, and many others who are seen as heralds of peace and human solidarity. The opening of "Les Précurseurs" establishes the context for Rolland's writings, noting that these essays were crafted and published in Switzerland between 1915 and 1919. He discusses the immense struggles faced by free thinkers during the violent upheavals of war—individuals who, despite persecution and disdain, continue to uphold the ideals of liberty and fraternity among all peoples. Additionally, the opening introduces Rolland's ode, “Ara Pacis,” which passionately calls for peace and communion in a time marked by division and violence. It sets an emotional and philosophical tone, infusing the text with a sense of urgency for unity and hope for a more harmonious future. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2011-09-03 Produced by Chuck Greif, Library of the University of Wisconsin and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net Original publication data not identified World War, 1914-1918 D501 Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37306 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37306 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133842.0 37306