Selections from Sainte-Beuve

Reprinted in 1924 and 1955, this 1918 volume gathers some of the more important writings of Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve (1804–69).

Reprinted in 1924 and 1955, this 1918 volume gathers important writings of Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve (1804–69), the renowned French literary critic who moved in the same circles as Victor Hugo. Sainte-Beuve's lack of a formal system of critical principles can be seen to account for the longevity of his works.First published in 1918, and reprinted in 1924 and 1955, this volume gathers together some of the more important writings of Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve (1804–69), the renowned French literary critic who moved in the same circles as Victor Hugo. Although Sainte-Beuve was sometimes condemned as a literary dilettante during his lifetime, his lack of a formal system of critical principles can be seen as the reason for the longevity of his works; literature is regarded as an expression of personality and is thus approached in a highly personal, original manner. Consummately edited by Arthur Tilley, the text contains a broad cross section of articles from 1835 to 1864, together with a 34-page introduction. This is a fascinating book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in literature or literary criticism.