Author
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve
1804-1869
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve (1804-1869) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve
Portraits littéraires, Tome I
"Portraits littéraires, Tome I" by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve is a critical literary collection written during the mid-19th century. The book delves into the lives and contributions of notable French authors such as Boileau, Pierre Corneille, La Fontaine, and Racine, analyzing their literary significance and the context in which they wrote. Grounded in Sainte-Beuve's own reflections and critiques, the work addresses the evolution of literary taste and the interplay between authors and their historical backgrounds. The opening of "Portraits littéraires" introduces the premise of the collection, where Sainte-Beuve expresses his intent to provide a retrospective on key literary figures while revisiting their artistic legacies. He emphasizes the importance of critiquing established authors like Boileau, whose reputation faced scrutiny in his time, and positions them within the changing landscape of literary thought. Through his analysis, Sainte-Beuve highlights Boileau's critical role in setting poetic standards, alongside a discussion of the broader cultural shifts that shaped modern French literature. This introduction sets the tone for a nuanced exploration of literary history, inviting readers to appreciate the intricate connections between authors, their work, and the era they inhabited.
Portraits littéraires, Tome II
"Portraits littéraires, Tome II" by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve is a collection of literary portraits written during the mid-19th century. It offers an in-depth exploration and analysis of notable literary figures from various eras, celebrating their contributions and examining their significance in the realm of literature. The focus in the opening portion is primarily on the playwright Molière, highlighting his unique blend of comedy and observation of human nature, which transcends his contemporary setting to connect with universal themes. The opening of this volume delves into Molière's genius, portraying him as a timeless artist adept at capturing the complexities of human nature through satire and comedy. Sainte-Beuve discusses Molière's independence from the constraints of his era, emphasizing how his works criticize the social norms of his time. As he reflects on Molière's life and influences, the analysis incorporates the broader literary context, illustrating Molière's role as a bridging figure between past and present literary traditions. The text presents not only Molière's biographical details but also delves into the thematic depth of his work, setting the stage for a rich exploration of his character and the art of comedy itself.
Portraits littéraires, Tome III
"Portraits littéraires, Tome III" by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve is a collection of literary portraits and analyses written during the mid-19th century. The work delves into the lives and works of various notable figures in literature, including poets and contemporary writers, exploring their contributions and significance in the literary world. The collection aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of these authors and their contexts, emphasizing the interplay between literature and its historical backdrop. At the start of the tome, Sainte-Beuve introduces the figure of Theocritus, emphasizing his pivotal role in the tradition of Greek pastoral poetry. The opening section articulates the elegance and beauty of Theocritus's work, contrasting it with later developments in literature. Sainte-Beuve discusses Theocritus's style, drawing connections between his pastoral themes and the natural world, while also noting the poet's evolution within the context of ancient Greek culture. The narrative highlights the tension between the purity of ancient poetic forms and the more complex emotions exhibited in later writings, setting a reflective tone for the exploration of literary personalities throughout the volume.
Monsieur de Talleyrand
"Monsieur de Talleyrand" by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work explores the life and career of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, a prominent figure in French history known for his complex political maneuvers and relationships during pivotal moments such as the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon. The narrative likely delves into Talleyrand’s character, blending a critical perspective on his ambition and duplicity with an appreciation for his political acumen. At the start of the book, the author discusses the impossibility of fully capturing Talleyrand’s essence, noting how he often shaped his public persona through selective narration of his experiences. The text elaborates on Talleyrand's early life, marked by familial neglect and physical disability, and how these factors influenced his ambitions. His success in navigating the political landscape during the Revolution is highlighted, showing him as a key advocate for the sale of church properties and member of the National Assembly, while also foreshadowing the moral ambiguities that define his later actions. Overall, the opening sets the stage for an insightful exploration of Talleyrand's multifaceted character and his significant, yet often controversial, impact on French politics.