Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve (1804–1869) was a French literary critic and historian celebrated for his pioneering contributions to literary biography and Criticism. His major works, including "Causeries du Lundi" and "Portraits Littéraires," set new standards in the analysis of literary figures and their works. Sainte-Beuve's method of contextualizing Literature within the Life and personality of its authors profoundly influenced modern literary criticism. His writings remain essential reading for scholars and enthusiasts of 19th-century French Literature.
Anecdotes
- Developed a close Friendship with Victor Hugo, which ended abruptly when he had an affair with Hugo's wife while he lived with them as a guest.
- His method of literary criticism was influenced by his early medical studies, emphasizing an almost clinical dissection of authors' lives and works.
- Developed a close friendship with Victor Hugo, which later soured, leading to an intense rivalry and inspiring the character of "Beuve" in Hugo's novel "Les Misérables.
Magnitudes
- Cultivate diverse friendships for richer perspectives.
- Seek depth over breadth in your reading.
- Pursue diverse subjects to enrich your Perspective.
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