Raymond Roussel

Roussel had few close friendships. Leiris’ father worked for Roussel, who visited weekly to play music: Leiris became a significant supporter of his work. Proust (who praised his work, but may not have met him) and Cocteau were neighbours; Cocteau later met him at a clinic for patients with drug habits. Desnos was a correspondent and present at the turbulent première of one of his works. He visited Flammarion several times, and may have based a character on him. Duchamp (who acknowledged his influence) met him at a chess-players’ café; Le Lionnais got to know him about the same time. Janet treated him.