This book provides the first full-length biography of the enigmatic French literary figure Paul Léautaud. James Harding's work reconstructs the world of Léautaud, a man initially dismissed as eccentric but now recognized as a significant literary presence. The biography details Léautaud's close relationships with prominent writers of his era and offers a vibrant portrayal of the Parisian literary scene and its colorful personalities.

This biography, first published in 1974 and reissued in 2021, offers a detailed account of Paul Léautaud's life and his central position within Parisian literary circles. The work is noted for being the first full-length biography of Léautaud in any language, providing an in-depth look at his relationships and the literary milieu he inhabited. It aims to re-evaluate Léautaud's standing, presenting him as a significant literary figure rather than just an eccentric. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding both Léautaud and the broader context of French literature during his active years.