Fall 2022 ,

GEORGE BERNANOS: The Man and His Work

In this course, we will read four novels by George Bernanos (1888-1948): The Diary of a Country Priest, Mouchette, Under the Sun of Satan, and Monsieur Ouine. Bernanos stands with Sigrid Undset, Flannery O'Connor, Walker Percy, G.K. Chesterton, Evelyn Waugh, and Francios Mauriac as the greatest Catholic novelists of the 20th century. Students will be encouraged to watch the three films made of these novels, two directed by Robert Bresson and one by Maurice Pialat. (Bresson, by the way, is the greatest Catholic director in the history of film.) I will provide directions on how to find and view these films online. Students will also be encouraged to pursue supplemental readings in the non-fiction works of Bernanos and other critical works about his life and work. In all eight sessions, we will put aside some time to discuss the life of Bernanos against the background of French and European history and of the Church.

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AMI Admin

THIS COURSE HAS CONCLUDED. THE FOLLOWING LESSONS ARE PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS FROM THE FALL OF 2022.

PLEASE NOTE: This course was taught by Dr. Deal Hudson who no longer teaches for AMI.

In this course, we will read four novels by George Bernanos (1888-1948): The Diary of a Country Priest, Mouchette, Under the Sun of Satan, and Monsieur Ouine.

Students will be encouraged to watch the three films made of these novels, two directed by Robert Bresson and one by Maurice Pialat. (Bresson, by the way, is the greatest Catholic director in the history of film.) I will provide directions on how to find and view these films online.

Students will also be encouraged to pursue supplemental readings in the non-fiction works of Bernanos and other critical works about his life and work.

In all eight sessions, we will put aside some time to discuss the life of Bernanos against the background of French and European history and of the Church.

Three of the books are all in print and available; Monsieur Ouine can be mailed to you after you give me your address and $15.00. I have been collecting used copies. You can also look for yourself on abebooks.com.

Monsieur Ouine (1946) Order from Deal Hudson ($15.00) or find online.

Under the Sun of Satan (1926) Order from Cluny Press, $18.95/$9.95 (Amazon) or Kindle edition.

Diary of a Country Priest (1936) Order from Da Capo Press, $15.19/$0.99 (Amazon) or Kindle edition.

Mouchette (1937) Order from New York Review Books, $15.95 (Amazon)