André Malraux is one of the few French writers who managed—through his personal experiences—to give a philosophical and artistic interpretation to the entire 20th century. The heroes of the novel *The Royal Road* set out on a dangerous expedition to rob ancient Khmer temples. Their fierce war with the tropical forest and the natives gives the plot its sharp, thrilling character—while deep authorial reflections on the meaning of life and humanity’s attempts “to leave a scratch on the earth” add profound depth.