Louis Ferdinand Celine

Louis Ferdinand Auguste Destouches was born in Courbevoie, just outside Paris in the Seine département (now Hauts-de-Seine). He was born to a family that would later influence his views and writings. The exact date of his birth is May 27th.

Louis Destouches received his Certificat d'études, a diploma that marked the end of his formal education. This achievement enabled him to secure better-paying jobs and support himself while pursuing further studies independently.

Destouches was sent to Germany for a year as part of his foreign language training. He immersed himself in the local culture, learning German and developing skills that would benefit him later in life.

After completing his stay in Germany, Destouches returned to France. The following year, he embarked on a year-long stint in England as part of his language training, broadening his linguistic horizons further.

Destouches completed his English language studies and returned home, continuing his pursuit of self-directed education. His experiences abroad laid the foundation for his future literary endeavors.

Volunteered for the French army and began a three-year enlistment in the 12th Cuirassier Regiment at that time. This marked a pivotal moment in his life as he embarked on military service during World War I.

Sent to London to work in the French passport office, reflecting his growing involvement with official institutions and his exposure to British society.

Declared unfit for military duty due to health issues and was subsequently discharged from the army. This experience had a lasting impact on Céline's life and would influence his writing in later years.

Appeared in l'Illustré National, a weekly magazine, showcasing his emerging literary talent at an early stage in his career.

Left Africa due to ongoing health issues and the strain of war-related duties on his well-being. This decision would mark a turning point in Céline's life, leading him to reevaluate his priorities and focus on his writing.

Céline was critical of the French academic literary style which privileged elegance, clarity and exactitude. This suggests that Céline's unique writing style was shaped by his desire to challenge traditional notions of literary excellence in France.

Left the League of Nations, marking a significant shift in Céline's life and career as he distanced himself from international politics and focused on his personal life and writing.

Céline gave up private practice and moved to Montmartre with his partner Elizabeth, seeking a new life and artistic inspiration in the bohemian neighborhood.

Completed his first novel, Voyage au bout de la nuit, which would go on to win the Prix Goncourt award in 1932, solidifying Céline's reputation as a rising literary talent.

Destouches received the prestigious Prix Renaudot award for his novel Journey to the End of the Night, recognizing its literary excellence. This achievement solidified his reputation as a talented writer in France.

Saw his novel Voyage au bout de la nuit published in October, marking a major milestone in his writing career and cementing his position as a prominent voice in French literature.

Elizabeth Craig returned permanently to America, leaving Céline behind and forcing him to navigate his personal life without his partner's support.

Céline visited Leningrad for a month, an experience that would influence his later writing and worldview.

Destouches published Death on the Installment Plan, another notable work that cemented his position within the French literary scene.

Published Mort à Credit, a novel that would go on to sell over 35,000 copies by the end of 1938, establishing Céline as a major literary figure in France.

Publication of Bagatelles pour un massacre (Trifles for a Massacre) occurred in that year, marking a significant milestone in Céline's literary career. This collection of essays and stories garnered attention from critics and media, showcasing his unique writing style and perspectives on French society at the time. The publication of this work cemented Céline's reputation as a prominent figure in French literature.

Witnessed significant commercial success with his novel Mort à Credit, which had become a bestseller and marked a turning point in his career.

Published Ecole des cadavres (School for Corpses), a polemical book on antisemitism and Franco-German alliance, in November of that year. This marked the beginning of Céline's involvement in writing works that would later be associated with his racist and anti-Semitic views.

The release of L'École des cadavres (The School of Corpses) in that year sparked controversy and debate among critics and readers alike. This novel was another notable work by Céline, showcasing his ability to tackle complex themes such as war, violence, and the human condition. The book's critical reception highlights the ongoing tensions between Céline's literary style and his wartime activities.

Declared 70% disabled by the draft board due to war, which led to evacuation from Paris. As a result, he took up work as head doctor of Bezons public clinic in Seine-et-Oise department.

Céline was involved with the collaborationist Cercle Européen after the war, indicating his involvement in pro-Nazi activities during World War II. The specific date of this event is not mentioned in the provided text, but it suggests that Céline's actions were influenced by his wartime experiences and may have contributed to his later involvement in collaborationist groups.

Published Les beaux draps (A Fine Mess) in February of that year, denouncing Jews and other groups in his characteristic polemical style. This further cemented his reputation as a vocal advocate for far-right ideologies.

Antisemitic books written by Céline were republished in new editions, reflecting the escalating tensions of that period.

Following the Allied invasion of Normandy, Destouches fled to Germany and later lived in exile in Denmark. This period marked a significant turning point in his life, influencing his views on politics and society.

Published his novel Guignol's Band, drawing heavily on experiences from London during World War I, which provided a critical outlet for his wartime reflections and insights.

The Allies landed in France in June of that year, marking a significant turning point in the war. The landing in France occurred after Guignol's Band was published in March of that year.

Céline handed over his manuscripts to the authorities, marking a significant point in his writing career. This event had a lasting impact on his legacy and future publications.

Céline arrived in German-occupied Denmark in late March of that year, further illustrating his complicated and tumultuous life during this period.

In November of that year, Céline submitted an application for extradition. This marked a significant point in his efforts to avoid punishment or capture by the Allies.

Céline was released from prison with conditions following an arrest and imprisonment by Danish authorities in December of the previous year.

Destouches was convicted by a French court for collaboration with Nazi Germany and subsequently pardoned by a military tribunal. This complex legal outcome highlighted the complexities of France's post-war recovery and Destouches' own involvement in wartime activities.

After being declared guilty in absentia in February of that year, Céline received an amnesty due to his status as a war veteran. This granted him freedom from prosecution under certain circumstances.

Céline was released from prison with conditions following an arrest and imprisonment by Danish authorities in December of the previous year. Upon release, he returned to France.

René Daumier Céline passed away, leaving behind a complex literary legacy that would continue to be debated and reevaluated by scholars and critics for decades to come.

Céline registered as a doctor and began setting up his medical practice after returning to France.

Destouches published Castle to Castle, his latest literary work that continued to explore themes of social critique and French identity.

Céline published D'un château l'autre in that year, further solidifying his position as a prominent French writer. This novel demonstrated Céline's continued exploration of themes such as French society, politics, and the human condition, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller.

Nord was published in that year, showcasing Célin's ability to tackle complex themes and issues in his writing. This novel reflects Céline's continued engagement with social and political issues, highlighting the ongoing impact of his wartime activities on his literary career.

Céline completed the second draft of Rigodon, his final novel, on June 30th in that year. This marked a significant milestone in Céline's literary career, as he brought to an end his extensive writing output and solidified his reputation as one of France's most important writers.