A
distinguished
French archæ-
ologist; born at Nancy, Dec.
ologist; born at Nancy, Dec.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v29 - BIographical Dictionary
The
poem as it has come down to us contains
nearly 1,000 lines, but it is not complete and
lacks unity. The sense is obscure, and sev-
eral passages are capable of various interpreta-
tions. *
Angell, James Burrill. An American edu-
cator, diplomatist, and writer ; born at Scituate,
R. I. , Jan. 7, 1829. He was graduated from
Brown University in 1849, and professor of mod-
ern languages there from 1853 to 1860. From
1860 to 1866 he was editor of the Providence
Journal. He was president of the University
of Vermont from 1866 to 1871. In 1871 he be-
came president of the University of Michigan.
He was minister to China from 1880 to 1881,
and is now minister to Turkey. Among his
works are : (Manual of French Literature)
(1857); Progress of International Law) (1875).
Angelo, Michel. See Michel Angelo.
Angelus Silesius (än'je-lus si-lē'shi-us), pseu-
donym of Johannes Scheffler. A German mystic
and sacred poet (1624-77), brought up in the
Lutheran faith, but in 1653 embraced Catholi-
cism, in 1661 was ordained priest, and in 1664
became councilor of the Prince-Bishop of
Breslau. His poems, some of which are ex-
quisite sacred lyrics, appeared collected as
(Spiritual Joys) (1657) and (Cherubic Wan-
derer) (1675).
Angely, Louis (än'je-li). A German dram-
atist (1787–1835). He was for several years a
favorite comic actor in Berlin, and skillfully
adapted to local conditions a number of French
comedies, among which the most popular were:
(Schoolboy Pranks); (The Journey at Com-
mon Expense); (Of Seven the Ugliest); (The
Artisans' Festival); (Seven Girls in Uniform.
Anicet-Bourgeois, Auguste (ä-nē-sā' bör-
zhwa'). A French dramatist; born in Paris,
Dec. 25, 1806; died there, Jan. 12, 1871. He
wrote about 200 comedies, vaudevilles, melo-
ramas, often in collaboration with Barbier,
Ducange, Féval, Labiche, and others; while on
the other hand he is the real and sole author
of some of the best plays ascribed to the elder
Dumas (for instance (Térésa,'(Angèle, Cathe-
rine Howard). Among his own productions
the following deserve mention : (The Venetian
(1834); (The Poor Girl' (1838); (Stella (1843).
Annunzio, Gabriele d' (än-nön'tsē-7). An
Italian novelist and poet; born on the yacht
Irene in the Adriatic, near Pescara, in 1864
Educated at Prato; went to Rome in 1880;
and is one of the most conspicuous Italian
writers of the day. He abandoned Italian
traditions for the modern French realism.
His poems and novels are brilliant but
sensual, the later works pessimistic. They
include: Pleasure) (1889); (The Triumph of
Death) (1894); and (Maidens of the Crag!
(1895). Among his poems are: (The New
Song) (Rome, 1882); (Interludes of Verse)
(1883); and Marine Odes' (1893). *
Ansbach, Elizabeth, Margravine of. See
Craven, Lady.
Anslo, Reimér (äns'lo). A Dutch poet;
born at Amsterdam, 1622 or 1626; died at
Perugia, May 16, 1669. He is an imitator of
Vondel, and one of the foremost Dutch poets
of his time. He went to Italy and lived for
many years in Rome, where he wrote his finest
poems. His most famous work is “The Plague
at Naples, and the next in importance (The
Eve of St. Bartholomew,' both epics.
Anspach, Frederick Rinehart. An Amer-
ican clergyman and religious writer; born in
central Pennsylvania, Jan. 1815; died in Balti-
more, Md. , Sept. 16, 1867. He was educated
at Pennsylvania College and the Lutheran Theo-
logical Seminary. His works include: (Sons
of the Sires) (1854); (Sepulchres of the De-
parted? (1854); (The Two Pilgrims) (1857).
Anstey, Christopher. An English poet
(1724-1805). He was a gentleman of fortune,
and wrote (The New Bath Guide) (1766), hu-
morous letters in rhyme describing life at that
fashionable watering-place. These became fa-
mous, and Smollett borrowed largely from the
work for (Humphrey Clinker. He also wrote
(An Election Ball and Other Verses) (1776).
Anstey, F. , pseudonym of Thomas Anstey
Guthrie. An English humorist; born in Ken-
sington in 1856. He graduated from Cam-
bridge in 1875, was called to the bar in 1880,
and joined Punch staff in 1887. He is the
author of : (Vice Versâ) (1882); (The Giant's
Robe) (1883); (The Black Poodle) (1884);
(The Tinted Venus) (1885); (The Pariah)
(1889); (Voces Populi) (1890); Mr. Punch's
Pocket Ibsen (1893); and Puppets at Large)
(1897).
## p. 21 (#37) ##############################################
ANTAR- APULEIUS
21
Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfen-
büttel (än'ton öl'rich). A German novelist and
poet (1633-1714), a zealous patron of art and
science, author of two voluminous novels, highly
famed in their time. They were (The Serene
Syrian Aramena) (1669–73) and (The Roman
Octavia) (1677). He also composed numerous
sacred poems.
Antar (än'tär) or Antarah, ben Shedad el
Absi. A famous Arab poet; born about the
middle of the sixth century A. D. , died about
615 A. D. He is the author of one of the seven
celebrated (suspended poems. He lauds the
beauty of his mistress, and rehearses the story
of his adventures in Arabia. Portions were
translated into English verse by Terrick Ham-
ilton (1820. ) *
Antheunis, Gentil Theodoor (än'tė-nes). A
Flemish poet; born at Oudenaarde, Sept. 9,
1840. At first a teacher in his native place
and at Dendermonde, he afterwards became a
justice of the peace in Brussels. His lyrics,
excelling in euphony and tender sentiment,
have frequently been set to music. They ap-
peared in collections : From the Heart' (1875);
(Songs and Poems) (1874); Life, Love, and
Song) (1879).
Anthon, Charles. A celebrated American
classical scholar; born in New York city, Nov.
19, 1797; died July 29, 1867. He was for many
years professor of ancient languages at Colum-
bia College. A beautiful edition of Horace
first made him famous among scholars. His
best known work was an edition of Lem-
prière's 'Classical Dictionary) (1841). He was
also the editor of over fifty classical text-books.
Antimachus (an-tim'a-kus). A Greek epic
and elegiac poet; fourished about 400 B. C.
He was called “The Colophonian, from
Colophon, his native place. His chief works
were the epic (Thebais, and an elegy on
his dead love Lyde. The Alexandrine critics
greatly admired him, esteeming him next to
Homer.
Antipater of Sidon (an-tip'a-ter). A Greek
poet; lived about 100 B. C. Famous during
his life as an improvisator, he is best known
by a collection of witty epigrams, which may
be found in the Greek Anthology. ?
Antona-Traversi, Camillo (än-to'nä trä-
ver'si). An Italian literary historian and dram-
atist; born in Milan, Nov. 27, 1857. Besides
numerous essays and studies on Boccaccio,
Ugo Foscolo, and Leopardi, he produced sev-
eral comedies, including (George's Sacrifice);
(Albert's Marriage); “Stop and Recommence.
Antonides van der Goes, Joannes (än-to-
ne’des vän der gös). A Dutch poet; born at
Goes, May 3, 1647; died at Rotterdam, Sept. 18,
1684. The most distinguished disciple of Von:
del, and a violent opponent of the one-sided
French classicism, he exercised a wholesome
influence upon his native literature. When
only nineteen, his tragedy, (Trazil, or the Con-
quest of China) (1664), attracted universal at-
tention and won him the lifelong friendship
of Vondel. His most famous work is De
Y-Stroom) (1671), an epic on the river Y,
glorifying the great international commerce of
Amsterdam, and is a masterly delineation of the
life in that city.
Antoninus, Marcus Aurelius. See Aure-
lius.
Anzengruber, Ludwig (än'tsen-grö-ber). An
Austrian dramatist and novelist; born in Vi-
enna, Nov. 29, 1839; died there, Dec. 10, 1889.
His great merit lies in the creation of a gen-
uine Austrian national drama, by which he
sprang at once into fame in his native country ;
afterwards he wrote stories of village life with
equal success. Of his dramatic works the most
noteworthy are: (The Parson of Kirchfeld
(1870); (The Perjured Peasant' (1871). Of his
narrative productions, (The Stigma,' a novel
(1876); (The Sternstein Farm, a village story
(1885), deserve particular mention.
Apel, Johann August (ä'ple). A German
novelist and poet (1771-1816) chiefly known by
his tales, collected as (Ghost-Book) (4 vols. ,
1810-14) and (Wonder-Book) (4 vols. , 1815-17).
He also wrote several dramas. His son Guido
Theodor (1811-67) attempted dramatic and epic
poetry.
Apollonius of Rhodes (ap-o-lo'ni-us). A
Greek grammarian and poet; born 280 B. C.
His one poetic composition, Argonautics,
gives but scant proof of its author's poetic in-
spiration, though it has a few passages of high
artistic beauty. It was widely read by the
Romans; both Virgil and Ovid borrowed a
little from Apollonius.
Appleton, Thomas Gold. An American
writer; born in Boston, March 31, 1812; died
in New York, April 17, 1884. He was a patron
of art, and an amateur painter of merit; he
aided libraries and museums of Boston. Author
of Nile Journal» (Boston, 1876); “Syrian Sun-
shine) (1877); and a volume of poems, Faded
Leaves.
Apthorp, William Foster. An American
musical and dramatic critic; born in Massa-
chusetts in 1848. He is on the staff of the
Boston Evening Transcript. His chief work
is Musicians and Music Lovers, and Other
Essays. He is also the translator of Zola's
Jacques Damour,' and of Hector Berlioz)
(1879).
Apuleius, Lucius (ap-ū-lē'us). A famous
Latin satirist and writer of fiction; lived in
the ad century, and was a native of northern
Africa. Having inherited an ample fortune,
he devoted himself to study and travel; at-
tending first the schools of Carthage, then the
Athenian schools of philosophy. His principal
work is (Metamorphosis) or (The Golden Ass,
which includes the charming epilogue of 'Cupid
and Pysche); well known also is his witty
(Apology,' a defense against a charge of sor-
cery brought by the sons of a widow twice
his age whom he had married. *
:
(
## p. 22 (#38) ##############################################
22
AQUINAS – ARBOLEDA
Aquinas, Thomas, St. See Thomas.
Arago, Dominique François (är-ä-go'). An
eminent French astronomer and physicist; born
near Perpignan, Feb. 26, 1786; died in Paris,
Oct. 2, 1853. His biographical notices of dis-
tinguished men of science hold a high place
in literature for clearness of thought and
beauty of style. Elected to the Chamber of
Deputies after the revolution of 1830, he elo-
quently took part with the advanced repub-
licans. After the fall of Louis Philippe in 1848,
he effected as Minister of War and of Marine
many salutary reforms, such as the abolition
of flogging in the navy and of negro slavery
in the colonies. His scientific observations
and discoveries were numerous and important.
English translations of separate portions of his
works have been published, notably his (Auto-
biography); (Popular Lectures on Astronomy);
(Meteorological Essays); and Biographies of
Scientific Men. *
Arago, Étienne Vincent. A French poet,
journalist, and playwright; born at Perpignan,
Feb. 9, 1802; died in Paris, March 5, 1892.
Brother of the preceding. He wrote, mostly
in collaboration with others, a number of com-
edies, vaudevilles, and melodramas; and under
the pseudonym of Jules Ferney, made himself
known through his feuilletons in the Siècle.
By far his best production, however, is (Spa,
its Origin, History, Waters, etc. ? (1851), an
epic in seven cantos. Besides this, (A Voice
from Exile) (1860) and (The Blue and the
White) (1862), a historical romance of the
wars in the Vendée, deserve mention.
Arago, Jacques Étienne. A French writer
of travels; born at Estagel, March 10, 1790;
died in Brazil, January 1855. Brother of the
preceding. Till 1837 his literary work con-
sisted in the production of light theatrical
pieces. He then lost his sight and made a
voyage around the globe, which afforded ma
terial for two charming books: Promenade
around the World) (1838) and A Blind Man's
Voyage round the World. He had some pain-
ful experiences on this side of the globe, which
are detailed in the ( Travels of a Blind Man
in California (1851).
Arany, János (or'ony). An eminent Hun-
garian poet; born at Nagy-Szalonta, March 1,
1817; died in Buda-Pesth, Oct. 22, 1882. Edu-
cated in the college at Debreczin, 1832-36, he
was employed as a teacher in his native place;
in 18. 10 was appointed notary there; and won
immediate success with his first epical produc-
tion in 1845. During the Hungarian revolution
he held a government position; then lived in
needy circumstances in his native town until
1854, when he obtained a professorship at
Nagy-Körös. Thence he was called to Buda-
Pesth in 1860 as director of the Kisfaludy
Society; founded the literary weekly Koszorú
(The Wreath); and in 1865 was appointed sec-
retary of the Hungarian Academy, of which
he had been a member since 1859. Owing to
his feeble health he resigned in 1878. As a
national poet he ranks immediately after Petöfi
and Vörösmarty, his epical creations deserving
to be acknowledged as ornaments not only of
Hungarian but of modern poetry in general.
He is a master of the ballad and a translator of
highest merit, as proven by his versions of Tasso,
Goethe, Shakespeare, and above all, his trans-
lation of Aristophanes (3 vols. , 1880). Works:
( The Lost Constitution,' a humorous epic
(1845, prize of Kisfaludy Society), depicting
the doings at the county elections ; (The Taking
of Murány) (1848, prize); Katalin (1850);
(Toldi, an epical trilogy (1851-54-80), exalting
the deeds of the Hungarian Samson; (The
Gipsies of Nagy-Ida) (1852); (Buda's Death)
(1864, prize), Prose Writings) (1879).
Arany, László. A Hungarian poet; born
at Nagy-Szalonta, March 24, 1844. Son of the
preceding; member of the Academy since
1872; author of "Elfrida,' a poetical tale (1868,
prize); (The Battle of the Huns) (1874); “The
Hero of Disenchantment,' a humorous epic
(1873), which won a prize and ranks among
the best productions of Hungarian literature.
Aratus (a-rå'tus). A Greek poet and as-
tronomer; born at Soli, Cilicia, fourishing
about 290-260 B. C. His chief work was an
astronomical poem entitled "Phænomena' (As.
pects of the Heavens), in 1,154 verses; the
plan being in imitation of Hesiod, while the
style is borrowed from Homer. Greatly ad-
mired in antiquity, it was translated into Latin
by Cicero and others. He was a friend of
the poets Theocritus and Callimachus.
Araujo Porto-Alegre, Manoel de (ä-rouʼzhö
põr'tö ä-lā'gre). A Brazilian poet; born at Rio
Pardo, Nov. 29, 1806; died in Lisbon, Portugal,
Dec. 30, 1879. He frequented the Academy of
Arts in Rio de Janeiro, 1826-28; studied paint-
ing in Paris and architecture there and in
Italy until 1837, when he returned to Rio and
was made professor at the Academy of Arts,
later at the Military Academy. He was Bra-
zilian consul-general at Stettin in 1859-65, but
lived mostly in Berlin, afterwards at Lisbon.
His principal works are: (Colombo, an epic,
celebrating the discovery of America; and (Bra-
silianas,' a lyric cycle, abounding in splendid
descriptions of nature.
Arblay, Madame d'. See Burney.
Arbois de Jubainville, Henri d'(är-bwä'
dė zhuban'vēl).
A distinguished French archæ-
ologist; born at Nancy, Dec. 5, 1827. He is
the most eminent authority in France on Gal.
lic antiquity and the Celtic languages. Of his
works the most noteworthy are: (History of
the Dukes and Counts of Champagne) (1859-
69); “The First Inhabitants of Europe) (1877);
(A Course of Celtic Literature) (5 vols. , 1883).
Arboleda, Julio (är-bo-lā'tuä). A South
American poet, orator, journalist, and revolu-
tionist; born in Colombia, June 9, 1817; died
about 1872. Having assumed the supreme
power in New Granada, he was assassinated.
He was of the best-known poets of
one
## p. 23 (#39) ##############################################
ARBUTHNOT - ARGYLE
23
Spanish America. Of his principal work,
Gonzalo of Oyón,' only such parts as hap-
pened to exist in duplicate were published, the
manuscript having been destroyed by a bitter
personal enemy.
Arbuthnot, John. A Scottish humorist;
born near Arbuthnot Castle, Kincardineshire,
Scotland, April 29, 1667; died in London, Feb.
27, 1735. He was physician to Queen Anne.
His literary fame rests mainly on (The His.
tory of John Bull (1712), at first attributed to
Swift, but proved to have been the work of
Arbuthnot. Primarily designed to satirize the
Duke of Marlborough, and to oppose the con-
tinuance of the War of the Spanish Succession,
this work was the means of fastening the so-
briquet and the typical character of John Bull
upon the English nation; but owing to its
ardent and extreme Toryism it is now little
read, and known chiefly by brilliant extracts.
It is said to have suggested to Swift the com-
position of (Gulliver's Travels. He also wrote
a number of serious works which have been
highly valued. *
Archenholz, Johann Wilhelm von (är'chen-
hõlts). A German historian (1743-1812). He
took part in the closing campaigns of the
Seven Years' War and retired as captain, 1763;
traveled extensively in Europe, lived in Eng-
land the greater part of 1769-79, and settled
in Hamburg in 1792. His book on England
and Italy) (1785), extensively translated, ob-
tained a phenomenal success. A sequel to it
was Annals of British History) (1789-98, 20
vols. ). His History of the Seven Years' War)
(1789, augmented 1793, 13th ed. 1892) is still the
most popular account of that war.
Archer, Thomas. An English novelist and
essayist. His works deal with the conditions
of the working classes and with social evils.
Among the best known are: (A Fool's Para.
dise (1870); Profitable Plants) (1874).
Archer, William. A Scottish critic; born
at Perth, Sept. 23, 1856. He graduated at
Edinburgh University, 1876, and was called to
the bar, 1883. He has long been dramatic
critic for various London papers, and has pub-
lished books on the drama, including : (Eng-
lish Dramatists of To-day) (1882); Masks or
Faces: a Study in the Psychology of Acting)
(1888); Henry Irving,' a critical study (1883);
(William Ch. Macready, a Biography) (1890).
He is the English translator of Ibsen's dramas
(1890-91).
Archilochus (är-kil'ō-kus). An eminent
Greek poet; flourished in the 7th century B. C.
Of his life nothing is definitely known. He
was classed by the ancients with the greatest
poets, Homer, Pindar, Sophocles; but of his
works only a few fragments have come down
His lyrics, in iambic verse, were often
pointed with the bitterest satire; besides satires
he wrote hymns, elegies, and epodes. *
Arène, Paul Auguste (ä-rån'). A French
writer of stories and travels; born at Sisteron,
June 26, 1843; died at Antibes, Dec. 16, 1896.
At first engaged in teaching at Marseilles and
in Paris; but from 1865 on he devoted himself
to literature, and became favorably known
through his brilliant descriptions of his Pro-
vençal home. Notable among various collec-
lections of stories are: (The Perfumed Beggar
Woman) (1876); “In the Kindly Sun' (1879);
(The True Temptation of St. Anthony);
(Christmas Stories. He also wrote two nov-
els --John of the Figs) (1868) and "The
Golden Goat' (1889); several comedies, partly
in conjunction with others, especially Alphonse
Daudet, whose collaborator he was in the
(Letters from my Mill. ? Equally charming as
his stories are the pictures of travel : (Twenty
Days in Tunis) (1884); From the Alps to the
Pyrenees) (1891).
Aretino, Pietro (ä-rā-tē'no). An Italian
satirical poet and dramatist; born at Arezzo,
April 20, 1492; died in Venice, Oct. 21, 1556.
He had already won some fame as a writer
of satires, when he settled in Rome in 1517,
where his bent for witty effusions led to his
banishment in 1524. Turning to Florence, he
won the favor of John de' Medici, and at
Milan ingratiated himself with Francis I. of
France, through whose intercession he was
allowed to return to Rome. Of his works only
his five comedies in prose, and (Orazia, a
tragedy in verse, numbering among the best
in Italian literature, are of lasting merit. His
(Letters) are a valuable contribution to the
history of the times.
Argensola, Bartolomeo Leonardo de (är-
Hen-sõ'lä). A Spanish poet and historian
(1565-1631). His verse lacks native force, but
shows considerable depth of sentiment, while
in form it displays exquisite finish. His history
of The Conquest of the Moluccas) is esteemed
a model of correct and idiomatic Spanish
prose.
Argensola, Lupercio Leonardo de. A nota-
ble Spanish poet; born at Barbastro, Aragon,
Dec. 14, 1559 ; died at Naples in March 1613.
Brother of the preceding. His three tragedies,
(Isabella, (Alexandra,' and Phyllis' brought
him fame while still a young man; but his forte
was lyric poetry, in which he won distinction.
His ballads and songs are notable for vigor of
thought and richness of pictorial fancy. Some
of his (Sonnets) are masterpieces; and his
(Epistles, both in substance and form, are
models of that species of composition.
Argyle or Argyll, George Douglas Camp-
bell (är-gil'), eighth Duke of. An English
philosophical, scientific, and political writer, and
statesman; born in Ardencaple Castle, Dum-
bartonshire, April 30, 1823. He was Lord Privy
Seal (1860) and Postmaster-General (1855),
being reappointed to both offices in 1860, to
the former again in 1880; was Secretary for
India (1868–74). He wrote: (The Reign of
Law) (1866), a striking work upholding theism ;
(I'rimeval Man) (1869); (Ional (1870); (The
Eastern Question) (2 vols. , 1879); (The Unity
to us.
:
## p. 24 (#40) ##############################################
24
ARICI - ARMSTRONG
of Nature (2d ed. , 1884); (Geology and the
Deluge) (1885); (Scotland as It Was and as It
Is) (2 vols. , 1887); and (The Unseen Founda-
tions of Society. ?
Arici, Cesare (ä-rē'chē). An Italian poet ;
born in Brescia, July 2, 1782; died there, July
2, 1836. He laid the foundation of his suc-
cess with a poem on (The Cultivation of the
Olive) (1808), which won for him a profes-
sorship of history and literature; it still ranks
among the best specimens of Italian didactic
poetry. He wrote many lyric pieces, but his
chief distinction is as a poet of bucolic and
pastoral themes. He left in an incomplete
state an epic on (The Destruction of Jerusa-
lem.
Ariosto, Ludovico (ä-rê-os'to). A cele-
brated Italian poet; born at Reggio, Sept. 8,
1474; died at Ferrara, June 6, 1533. He was
one of the three great epic poets of Italy,
and styled “The Divine” by his countrymen.
He early abandoned the study of law for that
of the classics. Having attracted attention
through two comedies, he entered the service
of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, who intrusted him
with several diplomatic missions; after whose
death in 1520 he was employed by the reign-
ing duke of Ferrara, Alfonso, the cardinal's
brother. His imperishable fame rests mainly
on his great romantic-heroic poem (Orlando
Furioso); of which Orlando's love for the fair
Angelica, and his madness induced by her
treachery, form the theme. It is really a con-
tinuation of Bojardo's (Orlando Innamorato,
a knowledge of which is most helpful to a
thorough appreciation of the Furioso. Of his
other poetical efforts the most noteworthy are
his seven epistolary satires, conceived in the
spirit of Horace, which contain sundry bits of
autobiographical information and rank among
the treasures of Italian literature.
Aristides or Aristeides (ar-is-ti'dēz). A
Greek writer who lived in the ad century B. C.
He was the father of Greek prose romance.
He wrote a series of love stories in six or
more books, entitled Milesiaca! (Milesian
Tales), from the place in which their scene
was laid.
Aristocles. See Plato.
Aristophanes (ar-is-tof'a-nēz). The greatest
of the Greek writers of comedy (B. C. 448 ? -
380 ? ); born at Athens. His comedy (The
Knights) is said to have been put on the stage
when the author was but 20 years old. Of his
44 plays only eleven have come down to us.
These are: (The Knights); (The Clouds,-
prized by him above all the rest, - wherein he
ridicules the Sophists and with them Socrates;
(The Wasps, in which the Athenians are
lashed for their litigiousness ; ( The Acharnians);
(The Peace) and (The Lyristrate, arguments
for concord among Grecian States; (The Birds,
a satire against the “Greater Athens ) idea;
in "The Thesmophoriazusä) the Athenian
women carry off to court the poet Euripides
in punishment of his misogyny; (The Frogs,
directed against Euripides, as the cause of the
degeneration of dramatic art; in “The Eccle-
siazusä) or (Ladies in Parliament,' he reduces
to absurdity the overweening expectation of the
righting of all wrongs through political reforms;
in the Plutus) the blind god of wealth is made
to see and the good old times come back
again. *
Aristotle (ar'is-totl). The most renowned of
Greek philosophers; born at Stagira, Mace-
donia, 384 B. C. ; died at Chalcis, Eubæa, 322
B. C. He was for twenty years a student of
philosophy in the school of Plato at Athens.
but at the same time a teacher, in the mean
time mastering and digesting all the accessible
results of philosophical and scientific research
and speculation in his time. After Plato's
death, he opened a school of philosophy at
the court of Hermias, king of Atarneus in
Mysia, who had been his fellow student in
Plato's Academy, and whose adopted daughter
he afterwards married. At the invitation of
Philip of Macedon he undertook the education
of his son, Alexander. When Alexander suc-
ceeded to the throne, the philosopher returned
to Athens and opened a school in the Lyceum,
so called from the neighboring temple of the
Lycian Apollo. From being held in the cov-
ered walk (peripatos) of the Lyceum the school
obtained the name of the Peripatetic. He
taught in the Lyceum for 13 years, and to that
period we owe the composition of most of his
numerous writings. The number of his sep-
arate treatises is given by Diogenes Laertius
as 146: only 46 separate works bearing the
name of the philosopher have come down to
our time. *
Ari Thorgilsson (ä'rē tor'gils-son). The
father of Icelandic literature (1067–1148). He
was the first Icelander to use his mother
tongue as a literary medium, in writing his
(Islendingabók,' a concise history of Iceland
from its settlement (about 870) until 1120.
This work was finished between 1134 and 1138.
Arlincourt, Victor Vicomte d' (är-lan-kör').
A French poet and novelist (1789-1856). His
chief poetical work is (Charlemagne, or the
Caroleid) (1818), an epic; and of his novels
the most successful was "Le Solitaire) (1821),
which was translated into all European lan-
guages. Among several pamphlets, written in
support of the Legitimist cause in 1848, one
entitled (God Wills It) went through 64 edi-
tions.
Armitage, Thomas. An American clergy-
man; born at Pontefract, England, Aug. 2,
1819; died Jan. 21, 1896. He was an import-
ant influence in the Baptist Church in New
York city, and the prime mover in the estab.
lishment of the American Bible Union in 1850.
He was president of that body from 1856 to
1875. Among his works are: Jesus, His Self-
Introspection); and History of the Baptists!
(1887).
Armstrong, Edmund John. An Irish poet:
born in Dublin, July 23, 1841; died at Kings-
## p. 25 (#41) ##############################################
ARMSTRONG - ARNOLD
25
town, Feb. 24, 1865. His most elaborate poem
is (The Prisoner of Mount Saint Michael
(1863), a romantic tale of passion and crime,
the scene being suggested by the author's
rambles in France in 1862. Next in import-
ance is "Ovoca,' an idyllic poem, partly dra-
matic, partly narrative in form.
Armstrong, George Francis. An Irish poet;
born in the county of Dublin, May 5, 1845.
Brother of the preceding. Professor of his-
tory and English literature at Queen's College,
Cork, since 1871. His works include : (Poems,
Lyrical and Dramatic) (1869); (Ugone, a
tragedy (1870); (Tragedy of Israel, a trilogy
comprising King Saul (1872), (King David)
(1874), and King Solomon (1876); “Essays)
(1877); and Mephistopheles in Broadcloth)
(1888), a satire in verse.
Armstrong, John. An American author
and soldier; born at Carlisle, Pa. , Nov. 25,
1758; died at Red Hook, N. Y. , April 1, 1843.
Served in the war of the Revolution on the staff
of General Gates; was United States minister
to France, 1804-10, afterwards to Spain; and
Secretary of War, 1813-14. Author of Newburg
Letters,' begun in camp 1783, anonymously,
and intended to arouse Congress to redress
army grievances. They gave General Washing-
ton displeasure. He also wrote Notices of the
War of 1812) (1836).
Arnaboldi, Alessandro (är-nä-bol'di). An
Italian poet; born in Milan, Dec. 19, 1827;
studied law in Pavia and entered the govern-
ment service, but resigned in 1873 owing to an
optic infirmity, and has since lived in retire-
ment near Milan. On the publication of a
volume of (Verses) (1872), he was hailed by
his countrymen as the peer of Manzoni and
Leopardi, while Dall' Ongaro even styled him
the greatest living poet of Italy. A second
collection of his poems appeared as New
Verses) (1888).
Arnason, Jón (är'nä-son). An Icelandic writer;
born at Hof, Akagaströnd, Nov. 13, 1819; died
at Reykjavik, Aug. 17, 1888. He was for many
years librarian of the National Library, and
devoted himself assiduously to the collection of
Icelandic folk tales. He has hence been called
the "Grimm of Iceland. ” His principal liter-
ary work is Popular Legends and Tales of
Iceland (1862–64). *
Arnault, Antoine Vincent (är-nö'). A French
poet and dramatist (1766-1834). He came into
public notice through his tragedy (Marius at
Minturna) (1791); but more especially deserves
remembrance for his satirical fables, in which
he guarded successfully against imitation of La-
fontaine, and for his graceful poems, of which
(The Leaf) has become most widely known.
His Souvenirs of a Sexagenarian (1833) con-
tain excellent delineations of character, and
many interesting disclosures about the history
of the time up to 1804.
Arndt, Ernst Moritz (ärnt). A German
poet, miscellaneous writer, and patriot; born at
Schoritz, Isle of Rügen, Dec. 29, 1769; died in
Bonn, Jan. 29, 1860. On the publication, in
1806, of the first series of his "Spirit of the
Times, which kindled patriotic enthusiasm
throughout the German lands, he was com-
pelled to take refuge in Sweden. Somie years
later he was the editor at Cologne of a polit-
ical journal, The Watchman. In 1848 a mem-
ber of the National Assembly, he belonged
to the so-called imperial party, advocating the
union of Germany under the leadership of
Prussia. On his ninetieth birthday (1859) the
whole nation united in paying him homage.
His influence was due to his devotion to the
national cause. Many of his poems have be-
come national lyrics, intimately linked with the
stirring events to which they owe their origin.
Among them are: What is the German's
Fatherland ? ) and (The Song of the Field
Marshal. *
Arneth, Alfred von (är'net). An Austrian
historian; born in Vienna, July 10, 1819; died
there, July 31, 1897. He was member of the
House of Lords after 1869, and president of
the Academy of Sciences after 1879. His life
of Prince Eugene of Savoy) (1858-59) is note-
worthy as the first authoritative work on that
great leader. Next in importance is the (His-
tory of Maria Theresa' (1863-79).
Arnim, Achim von (är'nim). A noted Ger-
man poet and novelist; born in Berlin, Jan.
poem as it has come down to us contains
nearly 1,000 lines, but it is not complete and
lacks unity. The sense is obscure, and sev-
eral passages are capable of various interpreta-
tions. *
Angell, James Burrill. An American edu-
cator, diplomatist, and writer ; born at Scituate,
R. I. , Jan. 7, 1829. He was graduated from
Brown University in 1849, and professor of mod-
ern languages there from 1853 to 1860. From
1860 to 1866 he was editor of the Providence
Journal. He was president of the University
of Vermont from 1866 to 1871. In 1871 he be-
came president of the University of Michigan.
He was minister to China from 1880 to 1881,
and is now minister to Turkey. Among his
works are : (Manual of French Literature)
(1857); Progress of International Law) (1875).
Angelo, Michel. See Michel Angelo.
Angelus Silesius (än'je-lus si-lē'shi-us), pseu-
donym of Johannes Scheffler. A German mystic
and sacred poet (1624-77), brought up in the
Lutheran faith, but in 1653 embraced Catholi-
cism, in 1661 was ordained priest, and in 1664
became councilor of the Prince-Bishop of
Breslau. His poems, some of which are ex-
quisite sacred lyrics, appeared collected as
(Spiritual Joys) (1657) and (Cherubic Wan-
derer) (1675).
Angely, Louis (än'je-li). A German dram-
atist (1787–1835). He was for several years a
favorite comic actor in Berlin, and skillfully
adapted to local conditions a number of French
comedies, among which the most popular were:
(Schoolboy Pranks); (The Journey at Com-
mon Expense); (Of Seven the Ugliest); (The
Artisans' Festival); (Seven Girls in Uniform.
Anicet-Bourgeois, Auguste (ä-nē-sā' bör-
zhwa'). A French dramatist; born in Paris,
Dec. 25, 1806; died there, Jan. 12, 1871. He
wrote about 200 comedies, vaudevilles, melo-
ramas, often in collaboration with Barbier,
Ducange, Féval, Labiche, and others; while on
the other hand he is the real and sole author
of some of the best plays ascribed to the elder
Dumas (for instance (Térésa,'(Angèle, Cathe-
rine Howard). Among his own productions
the following deserve mention : (The Venetian
(1834); (The Poor Girl' (1838); (Stella (1843).
Annunzio, Gabriele d' (än-nön'tsē-7). An
Italian novelist and poet; born on the yacht
Irene in the Adriatic, near Pescara, in 1864
Educated at Prato; went to Rome in 1880;
and is one of the most conspicuous Italian
writers of the day. He abandoned Italian
traditions for the modern French realism.
His poems and novels are brilliant but
sensual, the later works pessimistic. They
include: Pleasure) (1889); (The Triumph of
Death) (1894); and (Maidens of the Crag!
(1895). Among his poems are: (The New
Song) (Rome, 1882); (Interludes of Verse)
(1883); and Marine Odes' (1893). *
Ansbach, Elizabeth, Margravine of. See
Craven, Lady.
Anslo, Reimér (äns'lo). A Dutch poet;
born at Amsterdam, 1622 or 1626; died at
Perugia, May 16, 1669. He is an imitator of
Vondel, and one of the foremost Dutch poets
of his time. He went to Italy and lived for
many years in Rome, where he wrote his finest
poems. His most famous work is “The Plague
at Naples, and the next in importance (The
Eve of St. Bartholomew,' both epics.
Anspach, Frederick Rinehart. An Amer-
ican clergyman and religious writer; born in
central Pennsylvania, Jan. 1815; died in Balti-
more, Md. , Sept. 16, 1867. He was educated
at Pennsylvania College and the Lutheran Theo-
logical Seminary. His works include: (Sons
of the Sires) (1854); (Sepulchres of the De-
parted? (1854); (The Two Pilgrims) (1857).
Anstey, Christopher. An English poet
(1724-1805). He was a gentleman of fortune,
and wrote (The New Bath Guide) (1766), hu-
morous letters in rhyme describing life at that
fashionable watering-place. These became fa-
mous, and Smollett borrowed largely from the
work for (Humphrey Clinker. He also wrote
(An Election Ball and Other Verses) (1776).
Anstey, F. , pseudonym of Thomas Anstey
Guthrie. An English humorist; born in Ken-
sington in 1856. He graduated from Cam-
bridge in 1875, was called to the bar in 1880,
and joined Punch staff in 1887. He is the
author of : (Vice Versâ) (1882); (The Giant's
Robe) (1883); (The Black Poodle) (1884);
(The Tinted Venus) (1885); (The Pariah)
(1889); (Voces Populi) (1890); Mr. Punch's
Pocket Ibsen (1893); and Puppets at Large)
(1897).
## p. 21 (#37) ##############################################
ANTAR- APULEIUS
21
Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfen-
büttel (än'ton öl'rich). A German novelist and
poet (1633-1714), a zealous patron of art and
science, author of two voluminous novels, highly
famed in their time. They were (The Serene
Syrian Aramena) (1669–73) and (The Roman
Octavia) (1677). He also composed numerous
sacred poems.
Antar (än'tär) or Antarah, ben Shedad el
Absi. A famous Arab poet; born about the
middle of the sixth century A. D. , died about
615 A. D. He is the author of one of the seven
celebrated (suspended poems. He lauds the
beauty of his mistress, and rehearses the story
of his adventures in Arabia. Portions were
translated into English verse by Terrick Ham-
ilton (1820. ) *
Antheunis, Gentil Theodoor (än'tė-nes). A
Flemish poet; born at Oudenaarde, Sept. 9,
1840. At first a teacher in his native place
and at Dendermonde, he afterwards became a
justice of the peace in Brussels. His lyrics,
excelling in euphony and tender sentiment,
have frequently been set to music. They ap-
peared in collections : From the Heart' (1875);
(Songs and Poems) (1874); Life, Love, and
Song) (1879).
Anthon, Charles. A celebrated American
classical scholar; born in New York city, Nov.
19, 1797; died July 29, 1867. He was for many
years professor of ancient languages at Colum-
bia College. A beautiful edition of Horace
first made him famous among scholars. His
best known work was an edition of Lem-
prière's 'Classical Dictionary) (1841). He was
also the editor of over fifty classical text-books.
Antimachus (an-tim'a-kus). A Greek epic
and elegiac poet; fourished about 400 B. C.
He was called “The Colophonian, from
Colophon, his native place. His chief works
were the epic (Thebais, and an elegy on
his dead love Lyde. The Alexandrine critics
greatly admired him, esteeming him next to
Homer.
Antipater of Sidon (an-tip'a-ter). A Greek
poet; lived about 100 B. C. Famous during
his life as an improvisator, he is best known
by a collection of witty epigrams, which may
be found in the Greek Anthology. ?
Antona-Traversi, Camillo (än-to'nä trä-
ver'si). An Italian literary historian and dram-
atist; born in Milan, Nov. 27, 1857. Besides
numerous essays and studies on Boccaccio,
Ugo Foscolo, and Leopardi, he produced sev-
eral comedies, including (George's Sacrifice);
(Albert's Marriage); “Stop and Recommence.
Antonides van der Goes, Joannes (än-to-
ne’des vän der gös). A Dutch poet; born at
Goes, May 3, 1647; died at Rotterdam, Sept. 18,
1684. The most distinguished disciple of Von:
del, and a violent opponent of the one-sided
French classicism, he exercised a wholesome
influence upon his native literature. When
only nineteen, his tragedy, (Trazil, or the Con-
quest of China) (1664), attracted universal at-
tention and won him the lifelong friendship
of Vondel. His most famous work is De
Y-Stroom) (1671), an epic on the river Y,
glorifying the great international commerce of
Amsterdam, and is a masterly delineation of the
life in that city.
Antoninus, Marcus Aurelius. See Aure-
lius.
Anzengruber, Ludwig (än'tsen-grö-ber). An
Austrian dramatist and novelist; born in Vi-
enna, Nov. 29, 1839; died there, Dec. 10, 1889.
His great merit lies in the creation of a gen-
uine Austrian national drama, by which he
sprang at once into fame in his native country ;
afterwards he wrote stories of village life with
equal success. Of his dramatic works the most
noteworthy are: (The Parson of Kirchfeld
(1870); (The Perjured Peasant' (1871). Of his
narrative productions, (The Stigma,' a novel
(1876); (The Sternstein Farm, a village story
(1885), deserve particular mention.
Apel, Johann August (ä'ple). A German
novelist and poet (1771-1816) chiefly known by
his tales, collected as (Ghost-Book) (4 vols. ,
1810-14) and (Wonder-Book) (4 vols. , 1815-17).
He also wrote several dramas. His son Guido
Theodor (1811-67) attempted dramatic and epic
poetry.
Apollonius of Rhodes (ap-o-lo'ni-us). A
Greek grammarian and poet; born 280 B. C.
His one poetic composition, Argonautics,
gives but scant proof of its author's poetic in-
spiration, though it has a few passages of high
artistic beauty. It was widely read by the
Romans; both Virgil and Ovid borrowed a
little from Apollonius.
Appleton, Thomas Gold. An American
writer; born in Boston, March 31, 1812; died
in New York, April 17, 1884. He was a patron
of art, and an amateur painter of merit; he
aided libraries and museums of Boston. Author
of Nile Journal» (Boston, 1876); “Syrian Sun-
shine) (1877); and a volume of poems, Faded
Leaves.
Apthorp, William Foster. An American
musical and dramatic critic; born in Massa-
chusetts in 1848. He is on the staff of the
Boston Evening Transcript. His chief work
is Musicians and Music Lovers, and Other
Essays. He is also the translator of Zola's
Jacques Damour,' and of Hector Berlioz)
(1879).
Apuleius, Lucius (ap-ū-lē'us). A famous
Latin satirist and writer of fiction; lived in
the ad century, and was a native of northern
Africa. Having inherited an ample fortune,
he devoted himself to study and travel; at-
tending first the schools of Carthage, then the
Athenian schools of philosophy. His principal
work is (Metamorphosis) or (The Golden Ass,
which includes the charming epilogue of 'Cupid
and Pysche); well known also is his witty
(Apology,' a defense against a charge of sor-
cery brought by the sons of a widow twice
his age whom he had married. *
:
(
## p. 22 (#38) ##############################################
22
AQUINAS – ARBOLEDA
Aquinas, Thomas, St. See Thomas.
Arago, Dominique François (är-ä-go'). An
eminent French astronomer and physicist; born
near Perpignan, Feb. 26, 1786; died in Paris,
Oct. 2, 1853. His biographical notices of dis-
tinguished men of science hold a high place
in literature for clearness of thought and
beauty of style. Elected to the Chamber of
Deputies after the revolution of 1830, he elo-
quently took part with the advanced repub-
licans. After the fall of Louis Philippe in 1848,
he effected as Minister of War and of Marine
many salutary reforms, such as the abolition
of flogging in the navy and of negro slavery
in the colonies. His scientific observations
and discoveries were numerous and important.
English translations of separate portions of his
works have been published, notably his (Auto-
biography); (Popular Lectures on Astronomy);
(Meteorological Essays); and Biographies of
Scientific Men. *
Arago, Étienne Vincent. A French poet,
journalist, and playwright; born at Perpignan,
Feb. 9, 1802; died in Paris, March 5, 1892.
Brother of the preceding. He wrote, mostly
in collaboration with others, a number of com-
edies, vaudevilles, and melodramas; and under
the pseudonym of Jules Ferney, made himself
known through his feuilletons in the Siècle.
By far his best production, however, is (Spa,
its Origin, History, Waters, etc. ? (1851), an
epic in seven cantos. Besides this, (A Voice
from Exile) (1860) and (The Blue and the
White) (1862), a historical romance of the
wars in the Vendée, deserve mention.
Arago, Jacques Étienne. A French writer
of travels; born at Estagel, March 10, 1790;
died in Brazil, January 1855. Brother of the
preceding. Till 1837 his literary work con-
sisted in the production of light theatrical
pieces. He then lost his sight and made a
voyage around the globe, which afforded ma
terial for two charming books: Promenade
around the World) (1838) and A Blind Man's
Voyage round the World. He had some pain-
ful experiences on this side of the globe, which
are detailed in the ( Travels of a Blind Man
in California (1851).
Arany, János (or'ony). An eminent Hun-
garian poet; born at Nagy-Szalonta, March 1,
1817; died in Buda-Pesth, Oct. 22, 1882. Edu-
cated in the college at Debreczin, 1832-36, he
was employed as a teacher in his native place;
in 18. 10 was appointed notary there; and won
immediate success with his first epical produc-
tion in 1845. During the Hungarian revolution
he held a government position; then lived in
needy circumstances in his native town until
1854, when he obtained a professorship at
Nagy-Körös. Thence he was called to Buda-
Pesth in 1860 as director of the Kisfaludy
Society; founded the literary weekly Koszorú
(The Wreath); and in 1865 was appointed sec-
retary of the Hungarian Academy, of which
he had been a member since 1859. Owing to
his feeble health he resigned in 1878. As a
national poet he ranks immediately after Petöfi
and Vörösmarty, his epical creations deserving
to be acknowledged as ornaments not only of
Hungarian but of modern poetry in general.
He is a master of the ballad and a translator of
highest merit, as proven by his versions of Tasso,
Goethe, Shakespeare, and above all, his trans-
lation of Aristophanes (3 vols. , 1880). Works:
( The Lost Constitution,' a humorous epic
(1845, prize of Kisfaludy Society), depicting
the doings at the county elections ; (The Taking
of Murány) (1848, prize); Katalin (1850);
(Toldi, an epical trilogy (1851-54-80), exalting
the deeds of the Hungarian Samson; (The
Gipsies of Nagy-Ida) (1852); (Buda's Death)
(1864, prize), Prose Writings) (1879).
Arany, László. A Hungarian poet; born
at Nagy-Szalonta, March 24, 1844. Son of the
preceding; member of the Academy since
1872; author of "Elfrida,' a poetical tale (1868,
prize); (The Battle of the Huns) (1874); “The
Hero of Disenchantment,' a humorous epic
(1873), which won a prize and ranks among
the best productions of Hungarian literature.
Aratus (a-rå'tus). A Greek poet and as-
tronomer; born at Soli, Cilicia, fourishing
about 290-260 B. C. His chief work was an
astronomical poem entitled "Phænomena' (As.
pects of the Heavens), in 1,154 verses; the
plan being in imitation of Hesiod, while the
style is borrowed from Homer. Greatly ad-
mired in antiquity, it was translated into Latin
by Cicero and others. He was a friend of
the poets Theocritus and Callimachus.
Araujo Porto-Alegre, Manoel de (ä-rouʼzhö
põr'tö ä-lā'gre). A Brazilian poet; born at Rio
Pardo, Nov. 29, 1806; died in Lisbon, Portugal,
Dec. 30, 1879. He frequented the Academy of
Arts in Rio de Janeiro, 1826-28; studied paint-
ing in Paris and architecture there and in
Italy until 1837, when he returned to Rio and
was made professor at the Academy of Arts,
later at the Military Academy. He was Bra-
zilian consul-general at Stettin in 1859-65, but
lived mostly in Berlin, afterwards at Lisbon.
His principal works are: (Colombo, an epic,
celebrating the discovery of America; and (Bra-
silianas,' a lyric cycle, abounding in splendid
descriptions of nature.
Arblay, Madame d'. See Burney.
Arbois de Jubainville, Henri d'(är-bwä'
dė zhuban'vēl).
A distinguished French archæ-
ologist; born at Nancy, Dec. 5, 1827. He is
the most eminent authority in France on Gal.
lic antiquity and the Celtic languages. Of his
works the most noteworthy are: (History of
the Dukes and Counts of Champagne) (1859-
69); “The First Inhabitants of Europe) (1877);
(A Course of Celtic Literature) (5 vols. , 1883).
Arboleda, Julio (är-bo-lā'tuä). A South
American poet, orator, journalist, and revolu-
tionist; born in Colombia, June 9, 1817; died
about 1872. Having assumed the supreme
power in New Granada, he was assassinated.
He was of the best-known poets of
one
## p. 23 (#39) ##############################################
ARBUTHNOT - ARGYLE
23
Spanish America. Of his principal work,
Gonzalo of Oyón,' only such parts as hap-
pened to exist in duplicate were published, the
manuscript having been destroyed by a bitter
personal enemy.
Arbuthnot, John. A Scottish humorist;
born near Arbuthnot Castle, Kincardineshire,
Scotland, April 29, 1667; died in London, Feb.
27, 1735. He was physician to Queen Anne.
His literary fame rests mainly on (The His.
tory of John Bull (1712), at first attributed to
Swift, but proved to have been the work of
Arbuthnot. Primarily designed to satirize the
Duke of Marlborough, and to oppose the con-
tinuance of the War of the Spanish Succession,
this work was the means of fastening the so-
briquet and the typical character of John Bull
upon the English nation; but owing to its
ardent and extreme Toryism it is now little
read, and known chiefly by brilliant extracts.
It is said to have suggested to Swift the com-
position of (Gulliver's Travels. He also wrote
a number of serious works which have been
highly valued. *
Archenholz, Johann Wilhelm von (är'chen-
hõlts). A German historian (1743-1812). He
took part in the closing campaigns of the
Seven Years' War and retired as captain, 1763;
traveled extensively in Europe, lived in Eng-
land the greater part of 1769-79, and settled
in Hamburg in 1792. His book on England
and Italy) (1785), extensively translated, ob-
tained a phenomenal success. A sequel to it
was Annals of British History) (1789-98, 20
vols. ). His History of the Seven Years' War)
(1789, augmented 1793, 13th ed. 1892) is still the
most popular account of that war.
Archer, Thomas. An English novelist and
essayist. His works deal with the conditions
of the working classes and with social evils.
Among the best known are: (A Fool's Para.
dise (1870); Profitable Plants) (1874).
Archer, William. A Scottish critic; born
at Perth, Sept. 23, 1856. He graduated at
Edinburgh University, 1876, and was called to
the bar, 1883. He has long been dramatic
critic for various London papers, and has pub-
lished books on the drama, including : (Eng-
lish Dramatists of To-day) (1882); Masks or
Faces: a Study in the Psychology of Acting)
(1888); Henry Irving,' a critical study (1883);
(William Ch. Macready, a Biography) (1890).
He is the English translator of Ibsen's dramas
(1890-91).
Archilochus (är-kil'ō-kus). An eminent
Greek poet; flourished in the 7th century B. C.
Of his life nothing is definitely known. He
was classed by the ancients with the greatest
poets, Homer, Pindar, Sophocles; but of his
works only a few fragments have come down
His lyrics, in iambic verse, were often
pointed with the bitterest satire; besides satires
he wrote hymns, elegies, and epodes. *
Arène, Paul Auguste (ä-rån'). A French
writer of stories and travels; born at Sisteron,
June 26, 1843; died at Antibes, Dec. 16, 1896.
At first engaged in teaching at Marseilles and
in Paris; but from 1865 on he devoted himself
to literature, and became favorably known
through his brilliant descriptions of his Pro-
vençal home. Notable among various collec-
lections of stories are: (The Perfumed Beggar
Woman) (1876); “In the Kindly Sun' (1879);
(The True Temptation of St. Anthony);
(Christmas Stories. He also wrote two nov-
els --John of the Figs) (1868) and "The
Golden Goat' (1889); several comedies, partly
in conjunction with others, especially Alphonse
Daudet, whose collaborator he was in the
(Letters from my Mill. ? Equally charming as
his stories are the pictures of travel : (Twenty
Days in Tunis) (1884); From the Alps to the
Pyrenees) (1891).
Aretino, Pietro (ä-rā-tē'no). An Italian
satirical poet and dramatist; born at Arezzo,
April 20, 1492; died in Venice, Oct. 21, 1556.
He had already won some fame as a writer
of satires, when he settled in Rome in 1517,
where his bent for witty effusions led to his
banishment in 1524. Turning to Florence, he
won the favor of John de' Medici, and at
Milan ingratiated himself with Francis I. of
France, through whose intercession he was
allowed to return to Rome. Of his works only
his five comedies in prose, and (Orazia, a
tragedy in verse, numbering among the best
in Italian literature, are of lasting merit. His
(Letters) are a valuable contribution to the
history of the times.
Argensola, Bartolomeo Leonardo de (är-
Hen-sõ'lä). A Spanish poet and historian
(1565-1631). His verse lacks native force, but
shows considerable depth of sentiment, while
in form it displays exquisite finish. His history
of The Conquest of the Moluccas) is esteemed
a model of correct and idiomatic Spanish
prose.
Argensola, Lupercio Leonardo de. A nota-
ble Spanish poet; born at Barbastro, Aragon,
Dec. 14, 1559 ; died at Naples in March 1613.
Brother of the preceding. His three tragedies,
(Isabella, (Alexandra,' and Phyllis' brought
him fame while still a young man; but his forte
was lyric poetry, in which he won distinction.
His ballads and songs are notable for vigor of
thought and richness of pictorial fancy. Some
of his (Sonnets) are masterpieces; and his
(Epistles, both in substance and form, are
models of that species of composition.
Argyle or Argyll, George Douglas Camp-
bell (är-gil'), eighth Duke of. An English
philosophical, scientific, and political writer, and
statesman; born in Ardencaple Castle, Dum-
bartonshire, April 30, 1823. He was Lord Privy
Seal (1860) and Postmaster-General (1855),
being reappointed to both offices in 1860, to
the former again in 1880; was Secretary for
India (1868–74). He wrote: (The Reign of
Law) (1866), a striking work upholding theism ;
(I'rimeval Man) (1869); (Ional (1870); (The
Eastern Question) (2 vols. , 1879); (The Unity
to us.
:
## p. 24 (#40) ##############################################
24
ARICI - ARMSTRONG
of Nature (2d ed. , 1884); (Geology and the
Deluge) (1885); (Scotland as It Was and as It
Is) (2 vols. , 1887); and (The Unseen Founda-
tions of Society. ?
Arici, Cesare (ä-rē'chē). An Italian poet ;
born in Brescia, July 2, 1782; died there, July
2, 1836. He laid the foundation of his suc-
cess with a poem on (The Cultivation of the
Olive) (1808), which won for him a profes-
sorship of history and literature; it still ranks
among the best specimens of Italian didactic
poetry. He wrote many lyric pieces, but his
chief distinction is as a poet of bucolic and
pastoral themes. He left in an incomplete
state an epic on (The Destruction of Jerusa-
lem.
Ariosto, Ludovico (ä-rê-os'to). A cele-
brated Italian poet; born at Reggio, Sept. 8,
1474; died at Ferrara, June 6, 1533. He was
one of the three great epic poets of Italy,
and styled “The Divine” by his countrymen.
He early abandoned the study of law for that
of the classics. Having attracted attention
through two comedies, he entered the service
of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, who intrusted him
with several diplomatic missions; after whose
death in 1520 he was employed by the reign-
ing duke of Ferrara, Alfonso, the cardinal's
brother. His imperishable fame rests mainly
on his great romantic-heroic poem (Orlando
Furioso); of which Orlando's love for the fair
Angelica, and his madness induced by her
treachery, form the theme. It is really a con-
tinuation of Bojardo's (Orlando Innamorato,
a knowledge of which is most helpful to a
thorough appreciation of the Furioso. Of his
other poetical efforts the most noteworthy are
his seven epistolary satires, conceived in the
spirit of Horace, which contain sundry bits of
autobiographical information and rank among
the treasures of Italian literature.
Aristides or Aristeides (ar-is-ti'dēz). A
Greek writer who lived in the ad century B. C.
He was the father of Greek prose romance.
He wrote a series of love stories in six or
more books, entitled Milesiaca! (Milesian
Tales), from the place in which their scene
was laid.
Aristocles. See Plato.
Aristophanes (ar-is-tof'a-nēz). The greatest
of the Greek writers of comedy (B. C. 448 ? -
380 ? ); born at Athens. His comedy (The
Knights) is said to have been put on the stage
when the author was but 20 years old. Of his
44 plays only eleven have come down to us.
These are: (The Knights); (The Clouds,-
prized by him above all the rest, - wherein he
ridicules the Sophists and with them Socrates;
(The Wasps, in which the Athenians are
lashed for their litigiousness ; ( The Acharnians);
(The Peace) and (The Lyristrate, arguments
for concord among Grecian States; (The Birds,
a satire against the “Greater Athens ) idea;
in "The Thesmophoriazusä) the Athenian
women carry off to court the poet Euripides
in punishment of his misogyny; (The Frogs,
directed against Euripides, as the cause of the
degeneration of dramatic art; in “The Eccle-
siazusä) or (Ladies in Parliament,' he reduces
to absurdity the overweening expectation of the
righting of all wrongs through political reforms;
in the Plutus) the blind god of wealth is made
to see and the good old times come back
again. *
Aristotle (ar'is-totl). The most renowned of
Greek philosophers; born at Stagira, Mace-
donia, 384 B. C. ; died at Chalcis, Eubæa, 322
B. C. He was for twenty years a student of
philosophy in the school of Plato at Athens.
but at the same time a teacher, in the mean
time mastering and digesting all the accessible
results of philosophical and scientific research
and speculation in his time. After Plato's
death, he opened a school of philosophy at
the court of Hermias, king of Atarneus in
Mysia, who had been his fellow student in
Plato's Academy, and whose adopted daughter
he afterwards married. At the invitation of
Philip of Macedon he undertook the education
of his son, Alexander. When Alexander suc-
ceeded to the throne, the philosopher returned
to Athens and opened a school in the Lyceum,
so called from the neighboring temple of the
Lycian Apollo. From being held in the cov-
ered walk (peripatos) of the Lyceum the school
obtained the name of the Peripatetic. He
taught in the Lyceum for 13 years, and to that
period we owe the composition of most of his
numerous writings. The number of his sep-
arate treatises is given by Diogenes Laertius
as 146: only 46 separate works bearing the
name of the philosopher have come down to
our time. *
Ari Thorgilsson (ä'rē tor'gils-son). The
father of Icelandic literature (1067–1148). He
was the first Icelander to use his mother
tongue as a literary medium, in writing his
(Islendingabók,' a concise history of Iceland
from its settlement (about 870) until 1120.
This work was finished between 1134 and 1138.
Arlincourt, Victor Vicomte d' (är-lan-kör').
A French poet and novelist (1789-1856). His
chief poetical work is (Charlemagne, or the
Caroleid) (1818), an epic; and of his novels
the most successful was "Le Solitaire) (1821),
which was translated into all European lan-
guages. Among several pamphlets, written in
support of the Legitimist cause in 1848, one
entitled (God Wills It) went through 64 edi-
tions.
Armitage, Thomas. An American clergy-
man; born at Pontefract, England, Aug. 2,
1819; died Jan. 21, 1896. He was an import-
ant influence in the Baptist Church in New
York city, and the prime mover in the estab.
lishment of the American Bible Union in 1850.
He was president of that body from 1856 to
1875. Among his works are: Jesus, His Self-
Introspection); and History of the Baptists!
(1887).
Armstrong, Edmund John. An Irish poet:
born in Dublin, July 23, 1841; died at Kings-
## p. 25 (#41) ##############################################
ARMSTRONG - ARNOLD
25
town, Feb. 24, 1865. His most elaborate poem
is (The Prisoner of Mount Saint Michael
(1863), a romantic tale of passion and crime,
the scene being suggested by the author's
rambles in France in 1862. Next in import-
ance is "Ovoca,' an idyllic poem, partly dra-
matic, partly narrative in form.
Armstrong, George Francis. An Irish poet;
born in the county of Dublin, May 5, 1845.
Brother of the preceding. Professor of his-
tory and English literature at Queen's College,
Cork, since 1871. His works include : (Poems,
Lyrical and Dramatic) (1869); (Ugone, a
tragedy (1870); (Tragedy of Israel, a trilogy
comprising King Saul (1872), (King David)
(1874), and King Solomon (1876); “Essays)
(1877); and Mephistopheles in Broadcloth)
(1888), a satire in verse.
Armstrong, John. An American author
and soldier; born at Carlisle, Pa. , Nov. 25,
1758; died at Red Hook, N. Y. , April 1, 1843.
Served in the war of the Revolution on the staff
of General Gates; was United States minister
to France, 1804-10, afterwards to Spain; and
Secretary of War, 1813-14. Author of Newburg
Letters,' begun in camp 1783, anonymously,
and intended to arouse Congress to redress
army grievances. They gave General Washing-
ton displeasure. He also wrote Notices of the
War of 1812) (1836).
Arnaboldi, Alessandro (är-nä-bol'di). An
Italian poet; born in Milan, Dec. 19, 1827;
studied law in Pavia and entered the govern-
ment service, but resigned in 1873 owing to an
optic infirmity, and has since lived in retire-
ment near Milan. On the publication of a
volume of (Verses) (1872), he was hailed by
his countrymen as the peer of Manzoni and
Leopardi, while Dall' Ongaro even styled him
the greatest living poet of Italy. A second
collection of his poems appeared as New
Verses) (1888).
Arnason, Jón (är'nä-son). An Icelandic writer;
born at Hof, Akagaströnd, Nov. 13, 1819; died
at Reykjavik, Aug. 17, 1888. He was for many
years librarian of the National Library, and
devoted himself assiduously to the collection of
Icelandic folk tales. He has hence been called
the "Grimm of Iceland. ” His principal liter-
ary work is Popular Legends and Tales of
Iceland (1862–64). *
Arnault, Antoine Vincent (är-nö'). A French
poet and dramatist (1766-1834). He came into
public notice through his tragedy (Marius at
Minturna) (1791); but more especially deserves
remembrance for his satirical fables, in which
he guarded successfully against imitation of La-
fontaine, and for his graceful poems, of which
(The Leaf) has become most widely known.
His Souvenirs of a Sexagenarian (1833) con-
tain excellent delineations of character, and
many interesting disclosures about the history
of the time up to 1804.
Arndt, Ernst Moritz (ärnt). A German
poet, miscellaneous writer, and patriot; born at
Schoritz, Isle of Rügen, Dec. 29, 1769; died in
Bonn, Jan. 29, 1860. On the publication, in
1806, of the first series of his "Spirit of the
Times, which kindled patriotic enthusiasm
throughout the German lands, he was com-
pelled to take refuge in Sweden. Somie years
later he was the editor at Cologne of a polit-
ical journal, The Watchman. In 1848 a mem-
ber of the National Assembly, he belonged
to the so-called imperial party, advocating the
union of Germany under the leadership of
Prussia. On his ninetieth birthday (1859) the
whole nation united in paying him homage.
His influence was due to his devotion to the
national cause. Many of his poems have be-
come national lyrics, intimately linked with the
stirring events to which they owe their origin.
Among them are: What is the German's
Fatherland ? ) and (The Song of the Field
Marshal. *
Arneth, Alfred von (är'net). An Austrian
historian; born in Vienna, July 10, 1819; died
there, July 31, 1897. He was member of the
House of Lords after 1869, and president of
the Academy of Sciences after 1879. His life
of Prince Eugene of Savoy) (1858-59) is note-
worthy as the first authoritative work on that
great leader. Next in importance is the (His-
tory of Maria Theresa' (1863-79).
Arnim, Achim von (är'nim). A noted Ger-
man poet and novelist; born in Berlin, Jan.
