INTRODUCTION

Théophile Gautier (1811-1872), the zmÛïoy oi Jettatura, was bom in Tarbes, in the Hautes- Pyrénées. At the âge of eleven, he went to Paris, where he was educated. He believed that he had a pronounced talent for painting, and - therefore worked in a studio for two years. But the results of his labor being unsatisfactory, he gave up art and devoted himself to literature.

The famous critic Sainte-Beuve pronounced himself favorably in regard to the young author's first publications, and introduced him to Victor Hugo, in wbose house a number of literary men, disciples of the great poet, held regular meetings. Gautier became an enthusiastic member of this circle and a valiant defender of the Romantic school, founded by Victor Hugo, against the attacks of its enemies, the Classicists. In 1830, on the first représentation of Hernani^ a drama by Victor Hugo, written in compliance with the rules of the Romantic ichool, the followers and the adversaries of that school came to blows in the theater. The followers of Victor Hugo were victorious. This success was in great part due to Gautier, who was possessed of extraordinary strength, and took a most active part in the struggle. But it was not only with his fists that he fought for Victor Hugo; his pen obtained far greater success for the cause.

It was not long before he became a critic of repute in Paris, writing several volumes of literary and art criticisms. Having traveled quite extensively, he wrote admirable descriptions of the European coun tries he had visited. He was a great