The most interesting period of Malraux's life coincided with an uncharacteristically reclusive time after France's defeat in 1940.

ECONOMIST: Intellectual adventurers

Even at this stage, however, Malraux had a strong sense that he was a figure of world importance.

ECONOMIST: Intellectual adventurers

He struggles to show Malraux in the best possible light but presents evidence that will encourage others to draw less charitable conclusions.

ECONOMIST: Intellectual adventurers

Malraux's apotheosis came with General de Gaulle's return to power in 1958.

ECONOMIST: Intellectual adventurers

Olivier Todd is particularly sensitive to the tensions within Malraux's family and also, perhaps, to the ways in which these revealed wider differences between generations.

ECONOMIST: Intellectual adventurers

He is brilliant at explaining why we should be interested in Malraux, but, when it comes to why we should like or admire him, one feels that Mr Todd is caught between the piety of his youth and the knowledge that has come with age.

ECONOMIST: Intellectual adventurers