Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre first rose to prominence with the publication of his
Études de la nature[
Studies of Nature] (1784), a hymn to a Creator God whose providence was evident not only in the harmony and order of nature, but in human affairs as well. Although scientifically flawed, the
Étudesrevealed a talent for description and an ability to captivate and move that earned Bernardin his greatest success in the romantic novel
Paul et Virginie[
Paul and Virginia] (1788). His most significant contribution to the Revolution were the
Vœux d'un solitaire[
Wishes of a Solitary Man] (1789), a detailed statement of his political views that was enthusiastically received. Besides his literary achievements, Bernardin held the posts of Intendant of the Royal Garden and Professor…
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Citation: Reeve, Timothy. "Bernardin de Saint-Pierre". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 03 March 2008 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=3905, accessed 04 October 2024.]