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.