Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: Paul-Louis-Charles-Marie Claudel

(born Aug. 6, 1868, Villeneuve-sur-Fère, France — died Feb. 23, 1955, Paris) French poet, playwright, and diplomat. He converted to Catholicism at age 18. His brilliant diplomatic career began in 1892, and he eventually served as ambassador to Japan (1921 – 27) and the U.S. (1927 – 33). At the same time he pursued a literary career, expressing in poetry and drama his conception of the grand design of creation.