Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve

Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve (December 23, 1804 – October 13, 1869) was a literary critic and one of the major figures of French literary history.

Related Topics:
December 23 - 1804 - October 13 - 1869 - French

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He was born in Boulogne, and studied at the Collège Charlemagne in Paris. He became friendly with Victor Hugo after publishing a favourable review of the author's work, and had an affair with Hugo's wife.

Related Topics:
Boulogne - Collège Charlemagne - Paris - Victor Hugo

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One of Sainte-Beuve's major critical contentions was that in order to understand an artist it was first necessary to understand that artist's biography. Marcel Proust took issue with this contention and began an essay meant to refute it. Proust's essay eventually developed into À la recherche du temps perdu.

Related Topics:
Marcel Proust - À la recherche du temps perdu

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Sainte-Beuve was made a member of the Académie française in 1844.

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