La Harpe
JEAN FRANÇOIS DE (lä ärp), a French writer; born in Paris, France, Nov. 20, 1739. He first attracted attention in 1763 by a successful tragedy, "Warwick." His fame was further enhanced by a series of eloquent "Eulogies," and the plays "Mélanie," "Philoctetes," and "Coriolanus." His best known works are, however, his critical lectures, published in 12 vols. (1799-1805) as "Lycœum, or Course in "Lyceum, or Course in Literature." His "Literary Correspondence," published in 1801, caused fierce controversies. The Revolution at first aroused his enthusiasm; but after five months' imprisonment for refusing to countenance the methods of the extremsts he became a firm supporter of Church and crown. A posthumous work, "Cazotte's Vision," must be ranked among the best achievements of his pen. He died in Paris, Feb. 11, 1803.