Georges André Malraux was born on 3 November 1901 in Paris, France, to Fernand-Georges Malraux and Berthe Félicie Lamy. His parents separated in 1905, and his father died by suicide in 1930. Raised primarily by his mother and maternal relatives in Bondy, Malraux exhibited signs of nervousness and possible Tourette syndrome during his childhood. He left formal education early but pursued knowledge through Paris's libraries and museums.Malraux's literary career began with an article in 1920, followed by semi-surrealist tales in 1921. He became involved in the Parisian artistic community, meeting notable figures and marrying Clara Goldschmidt in 1922. Their marriage ended in separation in 1938, and they divorced in 1947. Influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche, Malraux's early works reflected a fascination with existential themes and the concept of the Übermensch.In 1923, Malraux traveled to Cambodia, where he sought to explore ancient ruins. His expedition led to his arrest for removing a bas-relief from a temple, but he received support from prominent literary figures, resulting in a reduced sentence. His experiences in Indochina fostered a critical view of French colonialism, prompting him to advocate for Vietnamese independence through the Young Annam League and a newspaper, L'Indochine.Upon returning to France, Malraux published several novels, including The Temptation of the West (1926) and The Conquerors (1928), which depicted political intrigue in China. His later works, such as La Condition Humaine (1933), focused on the 1927 Shanghai uprising and earned him the Prix Goncourt. Malraux's involvement in the Spanish Civil War saw him support the Republican forces, where he helped organize the Spanish Republican Air Force and published L'Espoir (1937), reflecting his experiences during the conflict.During World War II, Malraux joined the French Army and later the Resistance, where he was captured by the Gestapo but escaped. He commanded the Brigade Alsace-Lorraine and received several military honors post-war. After the war, he was appointed Minister for Information and later became France's first Minister of Cultural Affairs under President Charles de Gaulle, serving from 1959 to 1969. He initiated various cultural programs, including the cleaning of historical buildings and the establishment of maisons de la culture.Malraux published significant works on art theory, including La Psychologie de l'Art (1947-1949) and The Metamorphosis of the Gods (1957). He married Marie-Madeleine Lioux in 1948, but they separated in 1966. Malraux's literary contributions included semi-autobiographical works and reflections on art, emphasizing its transcendent nature. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times but never awarded.Malraux died on 23 November 1976 from a lung embolism. His ashes were initially buried in Verrières-le-Buisson but were later moved to the Panthéon in Paris in 1996, recognizing his impact on French culture. His legacy includes a substantial body of critical commentary on his literary and artistic theories, although some of his works remain untranslated into English.