Cocteau, Jean 1889–1963

Cocteau was a French poet, novelist, playwright, essayist, and film-maker. His concern with myth and mythological themes is expressed in such works as his drama Orphée. One of his most arresting works is the haunting novel Les Enfants Terribles, a horrifying view of French bourgeois life. Les Enfants Terribles, Orphée, and some of his other works were made into films under Cocteau's direction. (See also CLC, Vol. 1, 8, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 25-28; Contemporary Authors Permanent Series, Vol. 2.)