Orphaned at the age of seven, he proved to be a brilliant pupil, obtaining a degree in literature. In 1913, he became assistant curator of the Victor Hugo museum, then curator in 1920. In 1921, he became Aristide Briand's chief of staff. He was very active in the literary world. An armed volunteer during the First World War, in 1940 he was responsible for evacuating the most prestigious works from the Petit-Palais, which were transferred to Mirepoix, where he was Mayor. He was awarded the rank of Commander of the Legion of Honour.Autograph letter signed dated Paris, 02.03.1932 to M. Montigny: "É Je vais faire le nŽcessaire auprs de la MunicipalitŽ de Porto-Ferrajo - par l'intermŽdiaire du Quai dÕOrsayÉ".