By Thomas Blumann
Author Roger Peyrefitte, whose style brought a newkind of poetry to literature, was honored by friends and admirerswith a dazzling reception at Nörvenich Castle in Germany. OnAugust 17, 1992, Peyrefitte celebrated his 85th birthday quietly inParis. He was busy preparing new texts for publication. Shortlybefore, the master was distinguished with the 1991-92 Prize of theBalzac Academy for his work as a whole.
A few weeks later, at the invitation of the Museumof European Art and the European Forum, Peyrefitte traveled to Bonn,where he stayed at the Maritime Hotel. Accompanying him was hisfriend Alexandre de Villiers, who is in charge of the greatFrenchman's literary work.
To honor Peyrefitte, a reading from some of hisworks was given on a sunny Saturday in the great hall ofNörvenich Castle near Cologne. Approximately 200 invited guestsfrom Germany and other western European countries gathered for theoccasion.
"We are indeed fortunate to be spending the daywith Roger Peyrefitte," said Joe F. Bodenstein in his welcomingaddress. Bodenstein, art patron and owner of Nörvenich Castle,recalled Peyrefitte's dedication to promoting German-Frenchfriendship. "Peyrefitte and the sculptor Arno Breker were models ofloyalty and friendship during the past 50 years. Even the war couldnot divide these two men, who were united by their artistic andcultural ideals." Along these lines, Bodenstein also mentioned thepoliticians Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle, fathers ofGerman-French friendship after 1945.
In his response, Peyrefitte stated: "I havededicated my life to greater understanding, friendship and love amongpeople. It is also from this perspective that I have written mybooks. When criticized, I do not shrink from scandal. This I say: thehistories of men's lives are full of small and great scandals. It isonly important that we extract what is good and enduring." ActorPeter Hohberger read from Peyrefitte's book "Alexander theGreat." The guests were also given the pleasure of hearingPeyrefitte himself read. He quoted from his new book "Frederickthe Great and Voltaire."
On the evening of this memorable day, KlausMühlbauer and his wife Ulrike gave a sumptuous banquet at theirvilla. Among the guests was Mrs. Charlotte Breker, widow of theartist. Madame Mühlbauer was a charming hostess. She provided acombination of French and German delicacies, while husband Klaussupplied the best wines.
A reception in honor of Peyrefitte was held onanother day and attended by politicians, diplomats, artists and otherprominent members of society. Included among the guests was thepresident of the German Parliament, Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth, whodiscussed with Peyrefitte and Alexandre de Villiers the culturalcooperation between Eastern and Western Europe.