When his poems were published in
1815, he was recognized as the champion of
the faction opposed to the Bourbons.
1815, he was recognized as the champion of
the faction opposed to the Bourbons.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v29 - BIographical Dictionary
His poems were often
improvisations, and the airs of his songs were
largely of his own composition. As singer of
the rollicking life of a capital city he is un-
surpassed. A colossal bronze bust of Bellman
## p. 53 (#69) ##############################################
BELLOWS - BENJAMIN
53
Ben
by Byström was erected in the Zoological
Garden at Stockholm in 1829, and there a pop-
ular festival is held yearly in his honor. *
Bellows, Henry Whitney. A prominent
Unitarian divine and miscellaneous writer;
born at Walpole, N. H. , June 11, 1814; died in
New York, Jan. 30, 1882. He became pastor of
All Souls Church, New York, 1839; was chief
founder and long editor of the Christian In-
quirer (1846); president and chief originator of
the United States Sanitary Commission during
the Civil War (1861-65). He wrote: (Public
Life of Washington (1866); “Relation of Pub-
lic Amusements to Public Morality); (The Old
World in its New Face) (2 vols. , 1868–69), a
record of travel in Europe. He was an effect-
ive preacher and public speaker.
Belloy, Pierre Laurent de (bel-wä'), prop-
erly Buirette. A French dramatist; born 1727;
died 1775. He won success with the tragedies
(The Siege of Calais) (1765) and (Gaston and
Bayard (1771), and was elected to the Acad-
emy in 1771.
Belmontet, Louis (bel-môn-tā'). A French
poet and publicist (1799-1879); studied and
practiced law in Toulouse, until involved in
difficulties with the magistracy on account of
some satirical poems, when he went to Paris
and there produced his principal works: (The
Sad Ones) (1824), a cycle of elegies; (The
Supper of Augustus) (1828); and with Soumet,
(A Festival of Nero) (1829), a tragedy which
exceeded 100 performances. Subsequently he
became an ardent partisan of Bonapartism,
pleading its cause as a journalist and poetically
extolling the Napoleonic dynasty in many en-
thusiastic odes.
Belot, Adolphe (be-lo'). A French novelist
and dramatist (1829–90); traveled extensively
and settled at Nancy as a lawyer. He won
reputation with a witty comedy, “The Testa-
ment of César Girodot) (1859, with Villetard);
and being less successful with his following
dramatic efforts, devoted himself to fiction.
Of his novels may be mentioned : (The Venus
of Gordes) (1867, with Ernest Daudet); (The
Drama of the Rue de la Paix) (1868); (Arti-
cle 47' (1870): all of which were dramatized.
Bembo, Pietro (bem'bo). A celebrated Ital-
jan humanist; born in Venice, May 20, 1470;
died in Rome, Jan. 18, 1547. In 1513 he be-
came secretary of Latin letters Pope Leo
X. ; the Venetian republic appointed him in
1530 State historiographer. His poetical works,
Latin and Italian, are marked rather by ele-
gance of style, purity of idiom, and correctness
of taste, than by force or originality of thought
or liveliness of fancy. His works include a
History of Venice 1487-1513,' and a number
of poems, dialogues, and essays. There are 16
books of his Latin Letters) written in the
name of Leo X.
Bender, Prosper (bend'er). An American
descriptive ter; bor at Quebec, 1844. Ori-
ginally a Canadian physician, he removed to
Boston, Mass. (1883), and practices medicine
there. He has written: "Old and New Can-
ada'; 'Literary Sheaves) (1881).
lict, David. A Baptist divine and his-
torian; born at Norwalk, Conn. , 1779; died
1874. He was pastor at Pawtucket, R. I. , for
twenty-five years, and preached till over ninety
years of age. Among his chief works were :
(History of All Religions); (Fifty Years
among the Baptists); History of the Do-
natists) ; etc.
Benedict, Frank Lee. A popular American
novelist and poet; born in New York, 1834.
Among his numerous novels may be named:
John Worthington's Name); Miss Van Kort-
land' (1870); Her Friend Lawrence) (1879);
(The Price She Paid) (1883).
Benedictoff, Vladimir Grigorjevich (be-ne-
dik'tof). A Russian poet (1810-73), whose
lyrics excel in deep sentiment and ideal en-
thusiasm ; some, like (Two Apparitions, (The
Lake, (The Mountain Peaks,' may be ranked
with the finest of any literature.
Benedictsson, Victoria. See Ahlgren.
Benedix, Roderich Julius (be'ne-diks). A
German dramatist; born in Leipsic, Jan. 21,
1811; died there, Sept. 26, 1873. His first com-
edy, 'The Moss-Covered Pate) (1841), was re-
ceived throughout Germany with extraordinary
popular favor. Its successor, Doctor Wasp,'
was no less successful. Of the long catalogue
of his comedies, nearly every one was received
with marked favor in Germany and in foreign
countries wherever they were presented. The
secret of this success is found in the ever
lively action, and in the author's intimate
knowledge of the stage with its immemorial
yet ever fresh and telling effects. His (Col-
lected Dramatic Works) were published in 27
volumes.
Beniczky-Bajza, Illona (ben-is'skē bi'tsä).
A Hungarian novelist; born in Buda-Pesth,
in June 1840. Daughter of the critic Joseph
Bajza, and one of the most prolific writers of
Hungary. Her most noteworthy works are :
(Prejudice and Enlightenment) (1872); "It is
She) (1888); “Martha) (1890); 'The Mountain
Fairy) (1890).
Benjamin, Park. An American journalist,
poet, and lecturer; born at Demerara, British
Guiana, Aug. 14, 1809; died in New York,
Sept. 12, 1864. He studied law originally. His
poems, of a high order of merit, have never
been collected. (The Contemplation of Na-
ture, read on taking his degree at Washington
College, Hartford, 1829; the satires (Poetry)
(1843); (Infatuation) (1845); (The Nautilus);
(To One Beloved); and (The Old Sexton,' are
among his works. He was associated edito-
rially with Epes Sargent and Rufus W. Gris-
wold.
Benjamin, Park. An American lawyer, edi.
tor, and miscellaneous writer, son of the pre-
ceding; born in New York, May 11, 1849. A
1
1
1
## p. 54 (#70) ##############################################
54
BENJAMIN – BENTON
as
graduate of the United States Naval Academy
(1867), he served on Admiral Farragut's flag-
ship, but resigned in 1869. As a lawyer he has
been a patent expert. He edited the Scientific
American (1872-78). He has written : (Shak-
ings; Etchings from the Naval Academy)
(1867); (The Age of Electricity) (1886); “The
Intellectual Rise in Electricity, a History); etc.
Benjamin, Samuel Green Wheeler. An
American traveler, artist, and miscellaneous
writer; born at Argos, Greece, Feb. 13, 1837.
He was United States minister to Persia (1883-
85). Among his numerous works, both in prose
and verse, are: (Art in America); <Contem.
porary Art in Europe) (1877); (Constantino-
ple) (1860); (Persia and the Persians) (1886);
The Choice of Paris) (1870), a romance;
(Sea-Spray) (1887), a book for yachtsmen; etc.
Bennett, Charles Wesley. An American
Methodist divine and educator ; born at East
Bethany, N. Y. , July 18, 1828; died at Evans-
ton, II. , April 17, 1891. He was principal of
Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (1869–71), pro-
fessor of history and logic at Syracuse Uni-
versity (1871-85), professor of historical the-
ology at Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston
(1885-91). He wrote (National Education in
Italy, France, Germany, England, and Wales)
(1878); and Christian Art and Archäology of
the First Six Centuries) (1888).
Bennett, William Cox. An English song-
writer; born in Greenwich, Oct. 14, 1820; died
in Blackheath, March 4, 1895. He was the son
of a watchmaker, had comparatively little ed-
ucation, and is known for his songs and bal-
lads : (Queen Eleanor's Vengeance and Other
Poems) (1856); War Songs) (1857); (Our
Glory Roll and Other National Poems) (1867);
(Songs for Sailors) (1872); “Sea Songs) (1878).
Benoît de Sainte-Maure (be-nwä' de sant-
mõr). A French trouvère and chronicler of
the 12th century; born in Touraine. He wrote
in about 42,000 octosyllabic verses a "Chron-
icle of the Dukes of Normandy) to the year
1135. To him is usually ascribed the (Romance
of Troy,' founded on the story of the siege of
Troy as written by Dictys Cretensis and Dares;
it was translated into the languages of west-
ern Europe. Boccaccio, Chaucer, and Shakes-
peare would seem to be indebted to Benoît
for the story of the loves of Troilus and
Briseis (Cryseyde or Cressida being originally
called Briseida).
Bensel, James Berry. A well-known Ameri-
can poet and novelist; born in New York,
1856; died 1886. He lived the most of his life
at Lynn, Mass. , and was a contributor to maga-
zines. He wrote: King Kophetua's Wife)
(1884), a novel; (In the King's Garden and
Other Poems) (1886).
Benson, Carl. See Bristed, Charles Astor.
Benson, E. F. An English novelist, born
18. His greatest success was 'Dodo) (1893),
a novel of London society; he has also written
(Limitations ); (The Babe, B. A. ); (The Rubi-
con'; and “The Vintage) (1897).
Benson, Eugene. An American artist and
miscellaneous writer; born at Hyde Park,
N. Y. , 1840. Residing in Rome, Italy, he has
contributed to American magazines. He has
written : (Gaspara Stampa) (1881), a biogra-
phy with selections from her sonnets; (Art and
Nature in Italy) (1882).
Bensserade, Isaac de (bans-räd). A French
poet (1613-91), chiefly remembered as author
of the ballets, much in vogue then, in which
the king and his courtiers took part; also by
his dainty lyrics,- especially the sonnet on
Job,' which, in rivalry with Voiture's sonnet
to Urania,' incited a literary feud in 1651.
Bentham, Jeremy. An English writer on
ethics and jurisprudence (1748-1832). He was
educated for the bar and studied the theory
of law. Treatises on Government (1776), Usury
(1787), Civil and Penal Legislation (1813), Fal.
lacies (1824), and others; formed his collected
works (11 vols. , 1843). His guiding principle
was the doctrine of utility. *
Bentivoglio, Guido (ben-tê-võl'yo). An Ital.
ian historian, memoirist, and cardinal; born in
Ferrara, 1579; died near Rome (? ), 1644. His
ecclesiastical career was exceedingly brilliant ;
but almost at the hour when his election to
the papacy
successor to Urban VIII.
seemed inevitable, he suddenly died. In his
(History of the War in Flanders) and Me
moirs) he evinces decided literary abilities.
Bentley, Richard. An English critic and
essayist; born in Qulton, Yorkshire, Jan. 27,
1662; died July 1742. He is pronounced by
some authorities the best classical scholar Eng.
land has produced. His writings are: (Latin
Epistle to John Mill, Containing Critical Ob-
servations on the Chronicle of Joannes Malala!
(1691); the very celebrated Dissertation on
the Epistles of Phalaris) (1697); and editions
of Horace and Terence, besides commentaries
on the classics, all of great value.
Benton, Joel. A. well-known American poet
and critic; born at Amenia, Dutchess County,
N. Y. , 1832. He has written: Under the Ap-
ple Boughs,' a collection of verse; Emerson
as a Poet' (1883), and a large number of poems.
Benton, Thomas Hart. An American states-
man and author; born near Hillsborough,
Orange county, N. C. , March 14, 1782; died in
Washington, D. C. , April 10, 1858. Before he
was eight years old, his father died, and his
early opportunities for study were few. He
took a partial course at the University of
North Carolina. The family removed to the
yet unsettled territory south of Nashville, Ky. ,
and in 1811 he was admitted to the bar in
Nashville. He became a member of the State
Legislature. He served in the United States
army (1810-11 and 1812-13) and attained the
rank of lieutenant-colonel. He settled in St.
Louis, Mo. , in 1815, and established a
paper, the Missouri Inquirer, which he edited
news-
## p. 55 (#71) ##############################################
BENTZEL-STERNAU - BERGH
55
3
for many years. He was elected United States
Senator from Missouri in 1820, and continued
to hold that office for the next thirty years.
He was a champion of the rights of settlers on
the public lands; and of a gold and silver cur-
rency rather than paper money as a medium of
exchange (hence called “Old Bullion”). He
was a steadfast opponent of the Nullification
doctrine, of the repeal of the Missouri Com-
promise, and of the Kansas-Nebraska bill. He
was one of the earliest and most strenuous ad-
vocates of the building of a Pacific Railroad.
His chief publications are his (Thirty Years'
View) of the workings of the national govern-
ment (1854-56), and his (Abridgment of the De-
bates of Congress,' covering the period from the
foundation of the government to the year 1850.
Bentzel-Sternau, Count Karl Christian
Ernst von (bents'el stār'nou). A German
novelist and miscellaneous writer; born in
Mentz, April 9, 1767; died at Mariahalden,
Switzerland, Aug. 13, 1843. He is esteemed as
a humorist in the manner of Jean Paul; and his
satirical romances, (The Golden Calf? (1802-3),
(The Stone-Guest) (1808), 'Old Adam) (1819-
20), «The Master of the Chair, together form
a series.
Bentzon, Thérèse (bants-ôn”), pseudonym of
Marie Thérèse Blanc. A French novelist and
littérateur; born at Seine-Port, Sept. 21, 1840.
She has been for many years on the editorial
staff of the Revue des Deux Mondes, to
which she has contributed notable transla-
tions and reviews of many American, English,
and German authors. Her literary essays on
these contemporaneous writers were collected
in Foreign Literature and Customs) (1882)
and “Recent American Novelists) (1885). Her
first work to attract attention was (A Divorce)
(1871), published in the Journal des Débats.
Two other novels, (A Remorse) (1879) and
(Tony) (1889), were crowned by the French
Academy. Other stories are: (Georgette) and
Jacqueline (1893). The fruit of her first visit
to the United States was 'Condition of Woman
in the United States) (1895).
Beöthy, Zoltán (bė'tē). A Hungarian poet
and critic; born at Komorn, Sept. 4, 1848.
Since 1882 he has been professor of æsthetics
at the University of Buda-Pesth. His numer-
ous tales show unusual talent for psychological
delineation; among them are : (Judge Martin)
(1872); (The Nameless Ones) (1875); Ká-
lozdi Béla) (1875), a novel. His dramaturgic
studies and criticisms appeared under the
title (Playwrights and Actors) (1881). He has
also written an excellent history of Hungarian
literature (6th ed. 1891).
Béranger, Pierre Jean de (bā-ron-zhā'). A
French poet; born in Paris, Aug. 19, 1780;
died there, July 16, 1857. His father took him
to Paris in 1802; but they soon quarreled,
and he began life in that garret which became
famous. In 1804 Lucien Bonaparte helped him
out of his distress, by giving him a clerkship
in the Imperial University. Meanwhile he had
composed many convivial and political songs,
but it did not occur to him to write them
down until 1812. They were so universally sung
that he could have dispensed with the printing-
press.
When his poems were published in
1815, he was recognized as the champion of
the faction opposed to the Bourbons. His pop-
ularity with the working-classes was immense,
and he made the song a powerful political
weapon. His republicanism and enthusiasm for
Napoleon suited the multitude. Two volumes
published in 1821 led to his imprisonment; and
another in 1825 caused a second incarceration.
(New Songs) appeared in 1830, and his (Auto-
biography) in 1840. In 1848 he was elected
to Parliament, but begged to be released.
His songs are full of wit, light-heartedness,
and musical grace, ranging in theme from
epicurean trivialties to passionate and burning
social and political satire. Among the best
are the King of Yvetot); (The Old Flag);
(The Old Corporal); ( Roger Bontemps); (My
Grandmother); "Little Red Man); Little
Gray Man); and (The Marquis of Carabas. *
Berchet, Giovanni (bār-shā o berk'et). An
Italian poet; born in Milan, Dec. 23, 1783; died
in Turin, March 23, 1851. He was a leader in
the school of poets and thinkers who sought
to restore Italian literature to its ancient emi.
nence by a purely national development. Com-
ing under suspicion of Carbonarism, he had
to quit his country, and lived several years
abroad. His songs and romantic ballads -
(Italian Poems) (1848) - made him the favor-
ite popular singer of Italy. His best perform-
ance is (The Fugitives of Parga. '
Berezik, Árpád (bār-sēk'). A Hungarian
dramatist; born at Temesvar, 1842 or 1852. He
studied at the University of Pesth, and almost
immediately upon his graduation became dis-
tinguished for his writings. Dramatic criticism
and comedy are his congenialities; Public
Affairs, (The Veterans,' and (In the Czechs'
Country, three very diverting plays, bringing
him his greatest fame.
Bergerat, Auguste Émile (berzh-rä'). A
French journalist, playwright, and novelist;
born in Paris, April 29, 1845. Son-in-law of
Théophile Gautier, and since 1884 particularly
known as the amusing chronicler of the Fi.
garo under the pseudonym of «Caliban. His
feuilletons for that paper were published col-
lectively as “Life and Adventures of Sieur
Caliban) (1886); (The Book of Caliban) (1887);
"Caliban's Laughter) (1890); etc. He also
wrote two novels : (Faublas in Spite of Him-
self? (1884); (The Rape) (1886); besides two
volumes to the memory of his father-in-law,
(Théophile Gautier, Painter) (1877), and (Th.
Gautier, Conversations, Souvenirs, and Corre-
spondence) (1879).
Bergh, Henry. A noted American philan-
thropist and miscellaneous writer; born in New
York, 1823; died there, March 12, 1888. He was
founder and president of the American Soci-
ety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
## p. 56 (#72) ##############################################
BERGH - BERNARDAKIS
56
)
(1866), founder of the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children (1881), sec-
retary of legation and acting vice-consul at St.
Petersburg (1862–64). He wrote : Love's Alter-
natives) (1881), a play; Married Off (1859),
a poem; (The Streets of New York); (The
Ocean Paragon); etc.
Bergh, Pieter Theodoor Helvetius van den
(berg). A Dutch dramatist and poet (1799-
1873); attracted attention with his comedy
(The Nephew) (1837), considered one of the
best modern Dutch literature, but did not
justify expectations by his subsequent dramatic
efforts. He also published a collection, Prose
and Poetry) (3d ed. 1863).
Bergk, Theodor (berk). A German classical
philologist; born in Leipsic, May 22, 1812;
died at Ragaz, Switzerland, July 20, 1881. He
became an indisputable authority on Hellenic
poetry, producing two works of surpassing im-
portance in that department of scholarship :
(Greek Lyric Poets) (4th ed. 1878–82), and
(History of Greek Literature) (1872); the lat-
ter not quite completed at his death, but brought
to perfection with the aid of his posthumous
papers. He contributed much of value, like-
wise, to our knowledge of special departments
of classical learning.
Bergsöe, Jörgen Vilhelm (berg'se). A Dan-
ish novelist, poet, and naturalist; born in
Copenhagen, Feb. 8, 1835. While suffering
partial blindness caused by excessive use of
the microscope in his memorable biological
researches at Messina, he turned to literary
composition; and soon appeared the first of a
cycle of novels, "From the Piazza del Popolo)
(1866), which had an extraordinary success.
The following year he published his first vol-
ume of poems, Now and Then. Of his many
novels, the one which excels for fineness of
touch is "Who Was He? ) All his stories are
characterized by rich imagination, fine observa-
tion, and great originality; his poetry is in-
ferior in these respects to his prose.
Berkeley, George, Bishop. A celebrated
Irish clergyman and author; born near Kil-
kenny, March 12, 1685; died at Oxford, Eng.
land, Jan. 14, 1753. He resided in America, at
Newport, R. I. , for about three years, begin-
ning 1728. His estate of Whitehall at Newport
he conveyed to Yale College for the mainte-
nance of scholarships. Among his published
works are the celebrated (Commonplace Book,
1703-6); Essay towards a New Theory of
Vision' (1709); The Principles of Human
Knowledge) (1710); “Dialogues between Hylas
and Philonous) (1713); (Alciphron, or the Mi-
nute Philosopher) (1732); “ The Analyst) (1735);
(Siris) (1744: on Tar-Water); and others. *
Berlichingen, Götz (Gottfried) von, of the
Iron Hand (ber'liċh-ing''en). A famous Ger-
man knight and autobiographer; born in Jagst.
hausen in the present kingdom of Würtem-
berg, 1480; died July 23, 1562. He became very
popular with the masses; this and other facts
concerning him being apparent his (Auto-
biography) (late ed. 1886), a work drawn upon
by Goethe for the play bearing his name.
Berlioz, Hector (bår-le-oz'). A great French
musical composer and critic; born near Gre-
noble, Dec. II, 1803; died in Paris, March 8,
1869. In 1830 his cantata (Sardanapalus) won
for him the prize of Rome,” which afforded
him the means of spending 18 months in Italy.
He had already made his mark in Paris with
the overtures (Waverley) and (The Vehm
Judges); and among the fruits of his studies
in Italy were the overture to (King Lear) and
the symphony (The Return to Life. Then fol-
lowed the long series of his musical works.
Among his literary works are (A Musical Tour
in Italy and Germany); (Orchestra Soirées);
and (Treatise on Instrumentation (1844). *
Bernard, Charles de (ber-när'). [Properly
Bernard du Grail de La Villette. ) A French
novelist ; born in Besançon, Feb. 25, 1804; died
at Neuilly, March 6, 1850. He was a disciple
of Balzac, whom he resembles in his power of
realistic description and psychological analysis ;
but he possesses a purer and more nervous
style, and above all is content with a less
minute elaboration of story and characters.
His first piece, “The Gerfalcon, made a hit
with its clever description of the literary cliques.
Everywhere he evinces clear insight into the
foibles of society. Of his novels, the following
may be named as only second in rank to his
masterpiece (The Gerfalcon): A Magistrate's
Adventure); (The Gordian Knot); (Wings of
Icarus ); «The Lion's Skin'; (The Country
Gentleman.
Bernard of Clairvaux or St. Bernard (ber-
närd' - klār-vo'). A French theologian, church
father, and saint; born at Fontaines, near
Dijon, 1091; died at Clairvaux, Jan. 12, 1153
His five books on (Reflection are written in
a clear and cheerful style; and the hymn,
Jesu! the Very Thought of Thee,' is in use
in all the churches of our day. *
Bernard of Cluny (klü-nē'). A French monk
and poet who flourished in the twelfth cen-
tury, and is noted for his work (On Con-
tempt of the World' (1597); but very little is
known of the author's life. *
Bernard de Ventadour (ber-när' dè ven-tä.
dör'). A French troubadour poet; born in
Ventadour (? ) about 1125 (? ); died in the mon-
astery at Dalon about 1197 (? ). Love songs (To
Eleonore,' and various amatory lays to courtly
dames, form the riches of his delicate verse.
Bernardakis, Demetrios (ber-när'däk-is").
A Greek poet, dramatist, and scholar; born at
Santa Marina, Lesbos, Dec. 2, 1834. After a
course of study at Athens and in German
universities, he was (with one considerable in-
termission) professor of history and philology
in the University of Athens from 1861 to 1882,
when he went back to Lesbos. He is author
of a spirited Pindaric ode for a jubilee occas-
ion, of several dramas, and of a satire, (The
Battle of Cranes and Mice); he has also written
## p. 57 (#73) ##############################################
BERNARDES - BESANT:
57
a (Universal History); a (Church History);
and a spirited tractate, Confutation of a False
Atticism,' directed against the would-be Attic
purists.
Bernardes, Diogo (ber-när'des). A Portu-
guese poet; born in Ponte de Lima, about
1530; died in 1605. He was called in his day
“the Sweet Singer of the Lima," a streamlet
immortalized in his verse. He left his native
valley in 1550 and attached himself to the
mastersinger Sá de Miranda, who lived retired
on his estate Quinta da Tapada, a devotee of
the Muses. Here Bernardes composed verses
in all kinds, elegies, sonnets, odes, songs, full of
tender sympathies and perfect melody. Here
he wrote: (The Lima); Various Rimes -
Flowers from Lima's Banks); «Various Rimes
to the Good Jesu.
Berneck, Gustave von. See Guseck.
Berners, Juliana. An English prioress and
writer; said to have been born in Essex, and
flourished in the fifteenth century. She was at
the head of a convent in Sopewell, and is
celebrated for her work on fishing, hunting,
and like pastimes, entitled “Book of St. Albans)
(1486). *
Bernhard, Karl (bārn'här), pseudonym of
Nicolai de Saint Aubain. A celebrated Danish
novelist; born in Copenhagen, Nov. 18, 1798;
died there, Nov. 25, 1865. His induction into
the republic of letters was under the auspices
of his noted kinswoman, Madame Gyllembourg.
The poet Heiberg was his uncle; the nephew
has almost overshadowed the older writer
through the brilliance of 'The Favorite of
Fortune, (Two Friends, (For and Against,
and many other novels, all founded either on
historical occurrences or the author's observa-
tions of contemporary life.
Bernhardi, Theodor von (bern-här'dē). A
German historian and diplomat; born in Ber-
lin, Nov. 6, 1802; died at Kunersdorf, Silesia,
Feb. 12, 1887. His diplomatic career was im-
portant, and afforded him special facilities for
compiling a “History of Russia and of Euro-
pean Politics during the Years 1814-31) (1863-
77); (Frederick the Great as a Military Com-
mander' (1881); and similar works, all of value.
Bernhardy, Gottfried. A German classical
philologist; born in Landsberg-on-the-Warthe,
March 20, 1800; died in Halle, May 14, 1875.
He lectured very brilliantly at the leading
universities, his principal works being (Greek
Syntax Scientifically Considered (1829), a his-
torical study of the subject; (Outlines of Ro.
man Literature) (5th ed. 1872); (Outlines of
Greek Literature) (part i. , 5th ed. 1892; part
ii. , 2d-3d ed. 1876-80; part iii. wanting), and a
supplement to the first-named treatise, entitled
Paralipomena (Omissions) in [the Work on)
Greek Syntax) (1854-62); although he has writ-
ten many other important books.
Bernstein, Aaron (bern'stin). A German
publicist and novelist (1812–84); born
Dantzic. He was in politics a radical and in
religion a reformer, and his life was a con-
tinued battle against obscurantism and con-
servatism. Yet he wrote some charming stories
of life among the Jews, among them Mendel
Gibbor) (1860). He wrote also some notable
historical sketches, as (The People's Years)
and (The Years of Reaction.
Berrian, William (ber'i-an). An American
Episcopal divine and religious writer; born
1787; died 1862. He was rector of Trinity
Church, New York (1830–62). Besides various
religious works, he wrote (Travels in France
and Italy) and a Historical Sketch of Trinity
Church.
Bersezio, Vittorio (ber-sets'yo). An Italian
novelist and playwright; born at Peveragno,
Piedmont, in 1830. Both as a writer of tales and
of comedies he is conspicuous for vivid and
faithful delineation of Piedmontese life; espe-
cially in his dialect comedies, among which
(The Misfortunes of Monssù Travett) is con-
sidered to be his masterpiece. He also wrote
an excellent historical work, (The Reign of
Victor Emanuel II. (1878-93).
Bertaut, Jean (bār-to). A French poet and
prelate; born in Caen, 1570; died 1611. He
seems to have entered holy orders as a result
of the favor he acquired at court through his
love poems, which comprise stanzas, odes,
and couplets, published as (Songs) (? ) (1602).
He also composed "canticles) on (The Con-
version of Henry IV. ,' as well as a funeral
oration in eulogy of the same monarch.
Berthet, Elie (ber-tā). A French novelist
(1815-91), of whose numerous works the best
known are: (The Storks' Nest (1848); (The
Catacombs of Paris) (1854); (The Good Old
Times) (1867); “Prehistoric Novels) (1876).
Berthold, Franz (ber-tõld'), pseudonym of
Adelheid Reinbold. A German novelist
(1802-39), warmly appreciated and furthered
by Ludwig Tieck. Her story Fred of the
Will-o'-the-Wisp' (1830) met with great favor;
after her death appeared King Sebastian
(1839), a historical romance, and Collected
Tales) (1842).
Bertin, Antoine (ber-tan'). A French poet
(1752-90), much admired by his contemporaries,
who, somewhat extravagantly, styled him the
French Propertius. He was a friend of Parny,
and like him excelled in elegiac and epistolary
verse. His principal works are: Voyage in
Burgundy) (1777) and (The Loves) (1780).
Besant, Walter, Sir (bes'ant). An English
novelist; born in Portsmouth in 1838. After
graduation at Cambridge, he went to Mauritius
as professor in the Royal College, but returned
to London, where he long was secretary of the
Palestine Exploration Fund. In 1871 he formed
a literary partnership with James Rice, which
continued until the death of the latter. They
wrote many novels, some of which were dram-
atized. Among them are: Ready Money
Mortiboy) (London, 1871); (The Golden But-
terfly) (1876); (The Seamy Side) (1881); and
at
## p. 58 (#74) ##############################################
58
BESTŰSHEFF - BICKMORE
:
(
(The Chaplain of the Fleet) (1881). Alone he
has written : (Studies in Early French Poetry)
(1868); (When George the Third was King)
( (1872); (The French Humorists) (1873); (All
Sorts and Conditions of Men) (1882), which
led to the establishment of the People's Pal-
ace in the East End of London; (All in a
Garden Fair) (1883); (Dorothy Forster) (1884);
(The World Went Very Well Then) (1887);
Armorel of Lyonnesse (1890); (St. Katha-
rine's By the Tower) (1891); “The Ivory Gate)
(1892); Beyond the Dreams of Avarice);
(The Master Craftsman); and others. He was
knighted in 1896. *
Bestúsheff, Alexander Alexandrovich (bes-
töʻzhef or bes-tö'shef). A Russian novelist and
soldier; born in St. Petersburg, Nov. 3, 1797
(not 1795); killed in battle in the Caucasus,
July 19, 1837. Of his numerous novels the
most celebrated are: (Ammalat-Beg); (The
Nadeshda Frigate); «The Terrible Prophecy. )
His Private Correspondence) is highly prized.
Bethune, George Washington (be-thön).
A distinguished American Dutch Reformed
clergyman and poet; born in New York, March
18, 1805; died at Florence, Italy, April 27,
1862. He was a most lovable man, noted as
an orator and a wit. He had charges at Rhine-
beck and Utica, N. Y. , Philadelphia, Brooklyn,
and New York city. Besides religious works
he wrote: (British Female Poets); Lays of
Love and Faith) (1847), several of the hymns
in which are widely used. He also published
an edition of Izaak Walton's 'Complete Angler)
(1846); etc.
Betteloni, Vittorio (bet-el-ö'nē). An Ital-
ian poet; born in Verona, 1840. He was edu-
cated in Pisa, and is now professor of Italian
literature and history in the Female College
in Verona. His verse proves him an adherent
of that Italian classical school which dates
from 1869, and includes: (In the Springtime)
(1869); New Stanzas) (1880); and a transla-
tion of Goethe's (Hermann and Dorothea.
Betts, Craven Langstroth. An American
poet and story-writer; born in New Brunswick,
1853. Besides translating (Songs from Béran-
ger) in the original metres, he wrote: (The
Perfume Holder, a Persian Love Poem); and
with A. W. H. Eaton, (Tales of a Garrison
Town.
Beyle, Marie-Henri (bāl), better known un-
der the pseudonym of “Stendhal. " A notable
French novelist and critic; born in Grenoble,
Jan. 23, 1783; died in Paris, March 23, 1842.
In spite of interruptions due to the political
upheavals in which he became involved, he
found time to display his critical and imagin-
ative genius in Rome, Naples, and Florence
in 1817,' (History of Painting in Italy, and
(About Love): but his celebrity now rests prin-
cipally upon (The Chartreuse (Carthusian Nun]
of Parma, a magnificent fiction, brilliantly ori-
ginal, witty, and absorbing; and to a less extent
upon (The Red and the Black) [i. e. , Priests
and Soldiers), a romance possible only to a
writer with the widest knowledge of men and
things.
improvisations, and the airs of his songs were
largely of his own composition. As singer of
the rollicking life of a capital city he is un-
surpassed. A colossal bronze bust of Bellman
## p. 53 (#69) ##############################################
BELLOWS - BENJAMIN
53
Ben
by Byström was erected in the Zoological
Garden at Stockholm in 1829, and there a pop-
ular festival is held yearly in his honor. *
Bellows, Henry Whitney. A prominent
Unitarian divine and miscellaneous writer;
born at Walpole, N. H. , June 11, 1814; died in
New York, Jan. 30, 1882. He became pastor of
All Souls Church, New York, 1839; was chief
founder and long editor of the Christian In-
quirer (1846); president and chief originator of
the United States Sanitary Commission during
the Civil War (1861-65). He wrote: (Public
Life of Washington (1866); “Relation of Pub-
lic Amusements to Public Morality); (The Old
World in its New Face) (2 vols. , 1868–69), a
record of travel in Europe. He was an effect-
ive preacher and public speaker.
Belloy, Pierre Laurent de (bel-wä'), prop-
erly Buirette. A French dramatist; born 1727;
died 1775. He won success with the tragedies
(The Siege of Calais) (1765) and (Gaston and
Bayard (1771), and was elected to the Acad-
emy in 1771.
Belmontet, Louis (bel-môn-tā'). A French
poet and publicist (1799-1879); studied and
practiced law in Toulouse, until involved in
difficulties with the magistracy on account of
some satirical poems, when he went to Paris
and there produced his principal works: (The
Sad Ones) (1824), a cycle of elegies; (The
Supper of Augustus) (1828); and with Soumet,
(A Festival of Nero) (1829), a tragedy which
exceeded 100 performances. Subsequently he
became an ardent partisan of Bonapartism,
pleading its cause as a journalist and poetically
extolling the Napoleonic dynasty in many en-
thusiastic odes.
Belot, Adolphe (be-lo'). A French novelist
and dramatist (1829–90); traveled extensively
and settled at Nancy as a lawyer. He won
reputation with a witty comedy, “The Testa-
ment of César Girodot) (1859, with Villetard);
and being less successful with his following
dramatic efforts, devoted himself to fiction.
Of his novels may be mentioned : (The Venus
of Gordes) (1867, with Ernest Daudet); (The
Drama of the Rue de la Paix) (1868); (Arti-
cle 47' (1870): all of which were dramatized.
Bembo, Pietro (bem'bo). A celebrated Ital-
jan humanist; born in Venice, May 20, 1470;
died in Rome, Jan. 18, 1547. In 1513 he be-
came secretary of Latin letters Pope Leo
X. ; the Venetian republic appointed him in
1530 State historiographer. His poetical works,
Latin and Italian, are marked rather by ele-
gance of style, purity of idiom, and correctness
of taste, than by force or originality of thought
or liveliness of fancy. His works include a
History of Venice 1487-1513,' and a number
of poems, dialogues, and essays. There are 16
books of his Latin Letters) written in the
name of Leo X.
Bender, Prosper (bend'er). An American
descriptive ter; bor at Quebec, 1844. Ori-
ginally a Canadian physician, he removed to
Boston, Mass. (1883), and practices medicine
there. He has written: "Old and New Can-
ada'; 'Literary Sheaves) (1881).
lict, David. A Baptist divine and his-
torian; born at Norwalk, Conn. , 1779; died
1874. He was pastor at Pawtucket, R. I. , for
twenty-five years, and preached till over ninety
years of age. Among his chief works were :
(History of All Religions); (Fifty Years
among the Baptists); History of the Do-
natists) ; etc.
Benedict, Frank Lee. A popular American
novelist and poet; born in New York, 1834.
Among his numerous novels may be named:
John Worthington's Name); Miss Van Kort-
land' (1870); Her Friend Lawrence) (1879);
(The Price She Paid) (1883).
Benedictoff, Vladimir Grigorjevich (be-ne-
dik'tof). A Russian poet (1810-73), whose
lyrics excel in deep sentiment and ideal en-
thusiasm ; some, like (Two Apparitions, (The
Lake, (The Mountain Peaks,' may be ranked
with the finest of any literature.
Benedictsson, Victoria. See Ahlgren.
Benedix, Roderich Julius (be'ne-diks). A
German dramatist; born in Leipsic, Jan. 21,
1811; died there, Sept. 26, 1873. His first com-
edy, 'The Moss-Covered Pate) (1841), was re-
ceived throughout Germany with extraordinary
popular favor. Its successor, Doctor Wasp,'
was no less successful. Of the long catalogue
of his comedies, nearly every one was received
with marked favor in Germany and in foreign
countries wherever they were presented. The
secret of this success is found in the ever
lively action, and in the author's intimate
knowledge of the stage with its immemorial
yet ever fresh and telling effects. His (Col-
lected Dramatic Works) were published in 27
volumes.
Beniczky-Bajza, Illona (ben-is'skē bi'tsä).
A Hungarian novelist; born in Buda-Pesth,
in June 1840. Daughter of the critic Joseph
Bajza, and one of the most prolific writers of
Hungary. Her most noteworthy works are :
(Prejudice and Enlightenment) (1872); "It is
She) (1888); “Martha) (1890); 'The Mountain
Fairy) (1890).
Benjamin, Park. An American journalist,
poet, and lecturer; born at Demerara, British
Guiana, Aug. 14, 1809; died in New York,
Sept. 12, 1864. He studied law originally. His
poems, of a high order of merit, have never
been collected. (The Contemplation of Na-
ture, read on taking his degree at Washington
College, Hartford, 1829; the satires (Poetry)
(1843); (Infatuation) (1845); (The Nautilus);
(To One Beloved); and (The Old Sexton,' are
among his works. He was associated edito-
rially with Epes Sargent and Rufus W. Gris-
wold.
Benjamin, Park. An American lawyer, edi.
tor, and miscellaneous writer, son of the pre-
ceding; born in New York, May 11, 1849. A
1
1
1
## p. 54 (#70) ##############################################
54
BENJAMIN – BENTON
as
graduate of the United States Naval Academy
(1867), he served on Admiral Farragut's flag-
ship, but resigned in 1869. As a lawyer he has
been a patent expert. He edited the Scientific
American (1872-78). He has written : (Shak-
ings; Etchings from the Naval Academy)
(1867); (The Age of Electricity) (1886); “The
Intellectual Rise in Electricity, a History); etc.
Benjamin, Samuel Green Wheeler. An
American traveler, artist, and miscellaneous
writer; born at Argos, Greece, Feb. 13, 1837.
He was United States minister to Persia (1883-
85). Among his numerous works, both in prose
and verse, are: (Art in America); <Contem.
porary Art in Europe) (1877); (Constantino-
ple) (1860); (Persia and the Persians) (1886);
The Choice of Paris) (1870), a romance;
(Sea-Spray) (1887), a book for yachtsmen; etc.
Bennett, Charles Wesley. An American
Methodist divine and educator ; born at East
Bethany, N. Y. , July 18, 1828; died at Evans-
ton, II. , April 17, 1891. He was principal of
Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (1869–71), pro-
fessor of history and logic at Syracuse Uni-
versity (1871-85), professor of historical the-
ology at Garrett Biblical Institute, Evanston
(1885-91). He wrote (National Education in
Italy, France, Germany, England, and Wales)
(1878); and Christian Art and Archäology of
the First Six Centuries) (1888).
Bennett, William Cox. An English song-
writer; born in Greenwich, Oct. 14, 1820; died
in Blackheath, March 4, 1895. He was the son
of a watchmaker, had comparatively little ed-
ucation, and is known for his songs and bal-
lads : (Queen Eleanor's Vengeance and Other
Poems) (1856); War Songs) (1857); (Our
Glory Roll and Other National Poems) (1867);
(Songs for Sailors) (1872); “Sea Songs) (1878).
Benoît de Sainte-Maure (be-nwä' de sant-
mõr). A French trouvère and chronicler of
the 12th century; born in Touraine. He wrote
in about 42,000 octosyllabic verses a "Chron-
icle of the Dukes of Normandy) to the year
1135. To him is usually ascribed the (Romance
of Troy,' founded on the story of the siege of
Troy as written by Dictys Cretensis and Dares;
it was translated into the languages of west-
ern Europe. Boccaccio, Chaucer, and Shakes-
peare would seem to be indebted to Benoît
for the story of the loves of Troilus and
Briseis (Cryseyde or Cressida being originally
called Briseida).
Bensel, James Berry. A well-known Ameri-
can poet and novelist; born in New York,
1856; died 1886. He lived the most of his life
at Lynn, Mass. , and was a contributor to maga-
zines. He wrote: King Kophetua's Wife)
(1884), a novel; (In the King's Garden and
Other Poems) (1886).
Benson, Carl. See Bristed, Charles Astor.
Benson, E. F. An English novelist, born
18. His greatest success was 'Dodo) (1893),
a novel of London society; he has also written
(Limitations ); (The Babe, B. A. ); (The Rubi-
con'; and “The Vintage) (1897).
Benson, Eugene. An American artist and
miscellaneous writer; born at Hyde Park,
N. Y. , 1840. Residing in Rome, Italy, he has
contributed to American magazines. He has
written : (Gaspara Stampa) (1881), a biogra-
phy with selections from her sonnets; (Art and
Nature in Italy) (1882).
Bensserade, Isaac de (bans-räd). A French
poet (1613-91), chiefly remembered as author
of the ballets, much in vogue then, in which
the king and his courtiers took part; also by
his dainty lyrics,- especially the sonnet on
Job,' which, in rivalry with Voiture's sonnet
to Urania,' incited a literary feud in 1651.
Bentham, Jeremy. An English writer on
ethics and jurisprudence (1748-1832). He was
educated for the bar and studied the theory
of law. Treatises on Government (1776), Usury
(1787), Civil and Penal Legislation (1813), Fal.
lacies (1824), and others; formed his collected
works (11 vols. , 1843). His guiding principle
was the doctrine of utility. *
Bentivoglio, Guido (ben-tê-võl'yo). An Ital.
ian historian, memoirist, and cardinal; born in
Ferrara, 1579; died near Rome (? ), 1644. His
ecclesiastical career was exceedingly brilliant ;
but almost at the hour when his election to
the papacy
successor to Urban VIII.
seemed inevitable, he suddenly died. In his
(History of the War in Flanders) and Me
moirs) he evinces decided literary abilities.
Bentley, Richard. An English critic and
essayist; born in Qulton, Yorkshire, Jan. 27,
1662; died July 1742. He is pronounced by
some authorities the best classical scholar Eng.
land has produced. His writings are: (Latin
Epistle to John Mill, Containing Critical Ob-
servations on the Chronicle of Joannes Malala!
(1691); the very celebrated Dissertation on
the Epistles of Phalaris) (1697); and editions
of Horace and Terence, besides commentaries
on the classics, all of great value.
Benton, Joel. A. well-known American poet
and critic; born at Amenia, Dutchess County,
N. Y. , 1832. He has written: Under the Ap-
ple Boughs,' a collection of verse; Emerson
as a Poet' (1883), and a large number of poems.
Benton, Thomas Hart. An American states-
man and author; born near Hillsborough,
Orange county, N. C. , March 14, 1782; died in
Washington, D. C. , April 10, 1858. Before he
was eight years old, his father died, and his
early opportunities for study were few. He
took a partial course at the University of
North Carolina. The family removed to the
yet unsettled territory south of Nashville, Ky. ,
and in 1811 he was admitted to the bar in
Nashville. He became a member of the State
Legislature. He served in the United States
army (1810-11 and 1812-13) and attained the
rank of lieutenant-colonel. He settled in St.
Louis, Mo. , in 1815, and established a
paper, the Missouri Inquirer, which he edited
news-
## p. 55 (#71) ##############################################
BENTZEL-STERNAU - BERGH
55
3
for many years. He was elected United States
Senator from Missouri in 1820, and continued
to hold that office for the next thirty years.
He was a champion of the rights of settlers on
the public lands; and of a gold and silver cur-
rency rather than paper money as a medium of
exchange (hence called “Old Bullion”). He
was a steadfast opponent of the Nullification
doctrine, of the repeal of the Missouri Com-
promise, and of the Kansas-Nebraska bill. He
was one of the earliest and most strenuous ad-
vocates of the building of a Pacific Railroad.
His chief publications are his (Thirty Years'
View) of the workings of the national govern-
ment (1854-56), and his (Abridgment of the De-
bates of Congress,' covering the period from the
foundation of the government to the year 1850.
Bentzel-Sternau, Count Karl Christian
Ernst von (bents'el stār'nou). A German
novelist and miscellaneous writer; born in
Mentz, April 9, 1767; died at Mariahalden,
Switzerland, Aug. 13, 1843. He is esteemed as
a humorist in the manner of Jean Paul; and his
satirical romances, (The Golden Calf? (1802-3),
(The Stone-Guest) (1808), 'Old Adam) (1819-
20), «The Master of the Chair, together form
a series.
Bentzon, Thérèse (bants-ôn”), pseudonym of
Marie Thérèse Blanc. A French novelist and
littérateur; born at Seine-Port, Sept. 21, 1840.
She has been for many years on the editorial
staff of the Revue des Deux Mondes, to
which she has contributed notable transla-
tions and reviews of many American, English,
and German authors. Her literary essays on
these contemporaneous writers were collected
in Foreign Literature and Customs) (1882)
and “Recent American Novelists) (1885). Her
first work to attract attention was (A Divorce)
(1871), published in the Journal des Débats.
Two other novels, (A Remorse) (1879) and
(Tony) (1889), were crowned by the French
Academy. Other stories are: (Georgette) and
Jacqueline (1893). The fruit of her first visit
to the United States was 'Condition of Woman
in the United States) (1895).
Beöthy, Zoltán (bė'tē). A Hungarian poet
and critic; born at Komorn, Sept. 4, 1848.
Since 1882 he has been professor of æsthetics
at the University of Buda-Pesth. His numer-
ous tales show unusual talent for psychological
delineation; among them are : (Judge Martin)
(1872); (The Nameless Ones) (1875); Ká-
lozdi Béla) (1875), a novel. His dramaturgic
studies and criticisms appeared under the
title (Playwrights and Actors) (1881). He has
also written an excellent history of Hungarian
literature (6th ed. 1891).
Béranger, Pierre Jean de (bā-ron-zhā'). A
French poet; born in Paris, Aug. 19, 1780;
died there, July 16, 1857. His father took him
to Paris in 1802; but they soon quarreled,
and he began life in that garret which became
famous. In 1804 Lucien Bonaparte helped him
out of his distress, by giving him a clerkship
in the Imperial University. Meanwhile he had
composed many convivial and political songs,
but it did not occur to him to write them
down until 1812. They were so universally sung
that he could have dispensed with the printing-
press.
When his poems were published in
1815, he was recognized as the champion of
the faction opposed to the Bourbons. His pop-
ularity with the working-classes was immense,
and he made the song a powerful political
weapon. His republicanism and enthusiasm for
Napoleon suited the multitude. Two volumes
published in 1821 led to his imprisonment; and
another in 1825 caused a second incarceration.
(New Songs) appeared in 1830, and his (Auto-
biography) in 1840. In 1848 he was elected
to Parliament, but begged to be released.
His songs are full of wit, light-heartedness,
and musical grace, ranging in theme from
epicurean trivialties to passionate and burning
social and political satire. Among the best
are the King of Yvetot); (The Old Flag);
(The Old Corporal); ( Roger Bontemps); (My
Grandmother); "Little Red Man); Little
Gray Man); and (The Marquis of Carabas. *
Berchet, Giovanni (bār-shā o berk'et). An
Italian poet; born in Milan, Dec. 23, 1783; died
in Turin, March 23, 1851. He was a leader in
the school of poets and thinkers who sought
to restore Italian literature to its ancient emi.
nence by a purely national development. Com-
ing under suspicion of Carbonarism, he had
to quit his country, and lived several years
abroad. His songs and romantic ballads -
(Italian Poems) (1848) - made him the favor-
ite popular singer of Italy. His best perform-
ance is (The Fugitives of Parga. '
Berezik, Árpád (bār-sēk'). A Hungarian
dramatist; born at Temesvar, 1842 or 1852. He
studied at the University of Pesth, and almost
immediately upon his graduation became dis-
tinguished for his writings. Dramatic criticism
and comedy are his congenialities; Public
Affairs, (The Veterans,' and (In the Czechs'
Country, three very diverting plays, bringing
him his greatest fame.
Bergerat, Auguste Émile (berzh-rä'). A
French journalist, playwright, and novelist;
born in Paris, April 29, 1845. Son-in-law of
Théophile Gautier, and since 1884 particularly
known as the amusing chronicler of the Fi.
garo under the pseudonym of «Caliban. His
feuilletons for that paper were published col-
lectively as “Life and Adventures of Sieur
Caliban) (1886); (The Book of Caliban) (1887);
"Caliban's Laughter) (1890); etc. He also
wrote two novels : (Faublas in Spite of Him-
self? (1884); (The Rape) (1886); besides two
volumes to the memory of his father-in-law,
(Théophile Gautier, Painter) (1877), and (Th.
Gautier, Conversations, Souvenirs, and Corre-
spondence) (1879).
Bergh, Henry. A noted American philan-
thropist and miscellaneous writer; born in New
York, 1823; died there, March 12, 1888. He was
founder and president of the American Soci-
ety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
## p. 56 (#72) ##############################################
BERGH - BERNARDAKIS
56
)
(1866), founder of the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children (1881), sec-
retary of legation and acting vice-consul at St.
Petersburg (1862–64). He wrote : Love's Alter-
natives) (1881), a play; Married Off (1859),
a poem; (The Streets of New York); (The
Ocean Paragon); etc.
Bergh, Pieter Theodoor Helvetius van den
(berg). A Dutch dramatist and poet (1799-
1873); attracted attention with his comedy
(The Nephew) (1837), considered one of the
best modern Dutch literature, but did not
justify expectations by his subsequent dramatic
efforts. He also published a collection, Prose
and Poetry) (3d ed. 1863).
Bergk, Theodor (berk). A German classical
philologist; born in Leipsic, May 22, 1812;
died at Ragaz, Switzerland, July 20, 1881. He
became an indisputable authority on Hellenic
poetry, producing two works of surpassing im-
portance in that department of scholarship :
(Greek Lyric Poets) (4th ed. 1878–82), and
(History of Greek Literature) (1872); the lat-
ter not quite completed at his death, but brought
to perfection with the aid of his posthumous
papers. He contributed much of value, like-
wise, to our knowledge of special departments
of classical learning.
Bergsöe, Jörgen Vilhelm (berg'se). A Dan-
ish novelist, poet, and naturalist; born in
Copenhagen, Feb. 8, 1835. While suffering
partial blindness caused by excessive use of
the microscope in his memorable biological
researches at Messina, he turned to literary
composition; and soon appeared the first of a
cycle of novels, "From the Piazza del Popolo)
(1866), which had an extraordinary success.
The following year he published his first vol-
ume of poems, Now and Then. Of his many
novels, the one which excels for fineness of
touch is "Who Was He? ) All his stories are
characterized by rich imagination, fine observa-
tion, and great originality; his poetry is in-
ferior in these respects to his prose.
Berkeley, George, Bishop. A celebrated
Irish clergyman and author; born near Kil-
kenny, March 12, 1685; died at Oxford, Eng.
land, Jan. 14, 1753. He resided in America, at
Newport, R. I. , for about three years, begin-
ning 1728. His estate of Whitehall at Newport
he conveyed to Yale College for the mainte-
nance of scholarships. Among his published
works are the celebrated (Commonplace Book,
1703-6); Essay towards a New Theory of
Vision' (1709); The Principles of Human
Knowledge) (1710); “Dialogues between Hylas
and Philonous) (1713); (Alciphron, or the Mi-
nute Philosopher) (1732); “ The Analyst) (1735);
(Siris) (1744: on Tar-Water); and others. *
Berlichingen, Götz (Gottfried) von, of the
Iron Hand (ber'liċh-ing''en). A famous Ger-
man knight and autobiographer; born in Jagst.
hausen in the present kingdom of Würtem-
berg, 1480; died July 23, 1562. He became very
popular with the masses; this and other facts
concerning him being apparent his (Auto-
biography) (late ed. 1886), a work drawn upon
by Goethe for the play bearing his name.
Berlioz, Hector (bår-le-oz'). A great French
musical composer and critic; born near Gre-
noble, Dec. II, 1803; died in Paris, March 8,
1869. In 1830 his cantata (Sardanapalus) won
for him the prize of Rome,” which afforded
him the means of spending 18 months in Italy.
He had already made his mark in Paris with
the overtures (Waverley) and (The Vehm
Judges); and among the fruits of his studies
in Italy were the overture to (King Lear) and
the symphony (The Return to Life. Then fol-
lowed the long series of his musical works.
Among his literary works are (A Musical Tour
in Italy and Germany); (Orchestra Soirées);
and (Treatise on Instrumentation (1844). *
Bernard, Charles de (ber-när'). [Properly
Bernard du Grail de La Villette. ) A French
novelist ; born in Besançon, Feb. 25, 1804; died
at Neuilly, March 6, 1850. He was a disciple
of Balzac, whom he resembles in his power of
realistic description and psychological analysis ;
but he possesses a purer and more nervous
style, and above all is content with a less
minute elaboration of story and characters.
His first piece, “The Gerfalcon, made a hit
with its clever description of the literary cliques.
Everywhere he evinces clear insight into the
foibles of society. Of his novels, the following
may be named as only second in rank to his
masterpiece (The Gerfalcon): A Magistrate's
Adventure); (The Gordian Knot); (Wings of
Icarus ); «The Lion's Skin'; (The Country
Gentleman.
Bernard of Clairvaux or St. Bernard (ber-
närd' - klār-vo'). A French theologian, church
father, and saint; born at Fontaines, near
Dijon, 1091; died at Clairvaux, Jan. 12, 1153
His five books on (Reflection are written in
a clear and cheerful style; and the hymn,
Jesu! the Very Thought of Thee,' is in use
in all the churches of our day. *
Bernard of Cluny (klü-nē'). A French monk
and poet who flourished in the twelfth cen-
tury, and is noted for his work (On Con-
tempt of the World' (1597); but very little is
known of the author's life. *
Bernard de Ventadour (ber-när' dè ven-tä.
dör'). A French troubadour poet; born in
Ventadour (? ) about 1125 (? ); died in the mon-
astery at Dalon about 1197 (? ). Love songs (To
Eleonore,' and various amatory lays to courtly
dames, form the riches of his delicate verse.
Bernardakis, Demetrios (ber-när'däk-is").
A Greek poet, dramatist, and scholar; born at
Santa Marina, Lesbos, Dec. 2, 1834. After a
course of study at Athens and in German
universities, he was (with one considerable in-
termission) professor of history and philology
in the University of Athens from 1861 to 1882,
when he went back to Lesbos. He is author
of a spirited Pindaric ode for a jubilee occas-
ion, of several dramas, and of a satire, (The
Battle of Cranes and Mice); he has also written
## p. 57 (#73) ##############################################
BERNARDES - BESANT:
57
a (Universal History); a (Church History);
and a spirited tractate, Confutation of a False
Atticism,' directed against the would-be Attic
purists.
Bernardes, Diogo (ber-när'des). A Portu-
guese poet; born in Ponte de Lima, about
1530; died in 1605. He was called in his day
“the Sweet Singer of the Lima," a streamlet
immortalized in his verse. He left his native
valley in 1550 and attached himself to the
mastersinger Sá de Miranda, who lived retired
on his estate Quinta da Tapada, a devotee of
the Muses. Here Bernardes composed verses
in all kinds, elegies, sonnets, odes, songs, full of
tender sympathies and perfect melody. Here
he wrote: (The Lima); Various Rimes -
Flowers from Lima's Banks); «Various Rimes
to the Good Jesu.
Berneck, Gustave von. See Guseck.
Berners, Juliana. An English prioress and
writer; said to have been born in Essex, and
flourished in the fifteenth century. She was at
the head of a convent in Sopewell, and is
celebrated for her work on fishing, hunting,
and like pastimes, entitled “Book of St. Albans)
(1486). *
Bernhard, Karl (bārn'här), pseudonym of
Nicolai de Saint Aubain. A celebrated Danish
novelist; born in Copenhagen, Nov. 18, 1798;
died there, Nov. 25, 1865. His induction into
the republic of letters was under the auspices
of his noted kinswoman, Madame Gyllembourg.
The poet Heiberg was his uncle; the nephew
has almost overshadowed the older writer
through the brilliance of 'The Favorite of
Fortune, (Two Friends, (For and Against,
and many other novels, all founded either on
historical occurrences or the author's observa-
tions of contemporary life.
Bernhardi, Theodor von (bern-här'dē). A
German historian and diplomat; born in Ber-
lin, Nov. 6, 1802; died at Kunersdorf, Silesia,
Feb. 12, 1887. His diplomatic career was im-
portant, and afforded him special facilities for
compiling a “History of Russia and of Euro-
pean Politics during the Years 1814-31) (1863-
77); (Frederick the Great as a Military Com-
mander' (1881); and similar works, all of value.
Bernhardy, Gottfried. A German classical
philologist; born in Landsberg-on-the-Warthe,
March 20, 1800; died in Halle, May 14, 1875.
He lectured very brilliantly at the leading
universities, his principal works being (Greek
Syntax Scientifically Considered (1829), a his-
torical study of the subject; (Outlines of Ro.
man Literature) (5th ed. 1872); (Outlines of
Greek Literature) (part i. , 5th ed. 1892; part
ii. , 2d-3d ed. 1876-80; part iii. wanting), and a
supplement to the first-named treatise, entitled
Paralipomena (Omissions) in [the Work on)
Greek Syntax) (1854-62); although he has writ-
ten many other important books.
Bernstein, Aaron (bern'stin). A German
publicist and novelist (1812–84); born
Dantzic. He was in politics a radical and in
religion a reformer, and his life was a con-
tinued battle against obscurantism and con-
servatism. Yet he wrote some charming stories
of life among the Jews, among them Mendel
Gibbor) (1860). He wrote also some notable
historical sketches, as (The People's Years)
and (The Years of Reaction.
Berrian, William (ber'i-an). An American
Episcopal divine and religious writer; born
1787; died 1862. He was rector of Trinity
Church, New York (1830–62). Besides various
religious works, he wrote (Travels in France
and Italy) and a Historical Sketch of Trinity
Church.
Bersezio, Vittorio (ber-sets'yo). An Italian
novelist and playwright; born at Peveragno,
Piedmont, in 1830. Both as a writer of tales and
of comedies he is conspicuous for vivid and
faithful delineation of Piedmontese life; espe-
cially in his dialect comedies, among which
(The Misfortunes of Monssù Travett) is con-
sidered to be his masterpiece. He also wrote
an excellent historical work, (The Reign of
Victor Emanuel II. (1878-93).
Bertaut, Jean (bār-to). A French poet and
prelate; born in Caen, 1570; died 1611. He
seems to have entered holy orders as a result
of the favor he acquired at court through his
love poems, which comprise stanzas, odes,
and couplets, published as (Songs) (? ) (1602).
He also composed "canticles) on (The Con-
version of Henry IV. ,' as well as a funeral
oration in eulogy of the same monarch.
Berthet, Elie (ber-tā). A French novelist
(1815-91), of whose numerous works the best
known are: (The Storks' Nest (1848); (The
Catacombs of Paris) (1854); (The Good Old
Times) (1867); “Prehistoric Novels) (1876).
Berthold, Franz (ber-tõld'), pseudonym of
Adelheid Reinbold. A German novelist
(1802-39), warmly appreciated and furthered
by Ludwig Tieck. Her story Fred of the
Will-o'-the-Wisp' (1830) met with great favor;
after her death appeared King Sebastian
(1839), a historical romance, and Collected
Tales) (1842).
Bertin, Antoine (ber-tan'). A French poet
(1752-90), much admired by his contemporaries,
who, somewhat extravagantly, styled him the
French Propertius. He was a friend of Parny,
and like him excelled in elegiac and epistolary
verse. His principal works are: Voyage in
Burgundy) (1777) and (The Loves) (1780).
Besant, Walter, Sir (bes'ant). An English
novelist; born in Portsmouth in 1838. After
graduation at Cambridge, he went to Mauritius
as professor in the Royal College, but returned
to London, where he long was secretary of the
Palestine Exploration Fund. In 1871 he formed
a literary partnership with James Rice, which
continued until the death of the latter. They
wrote many novels, some of which were dram-
atized. Among them are: Ready Money
Mortiboy) (London, 1871); (The Golden But-
terfly) (1876); (The Seamy Side) (1881); and
at
## p. 58 (#74) ##############################################
58
BESTŰSHEFF - BICKMORE
:
(
(The Chaplain of the Fleet) (1881). Alone he
has written : (Studies in Early French Poetry)
(1868); (When George the Third was King)
( (1872); (The French Humorists) (1873); (All
Sorts and Conditions of Men) (1882), which
led to the establishment of the People's Pal-
ace in the East End of London; (All in a
Garden Fair) (1883); (Dorothy Forster) (1884);
(The World Went Very Well Then) (1887);
Armorel of Lyonnesse (1890); (St. Katha-
rine's By the Tower) (1891); “The Ivory Gate)
(1892); Beyond the Dreams of Avarice);
(The Master Craftsman); and others. He was
knighted in 1896. *
Bestúsheff, Alexander Alexandrovich (bes-
töʻzhef or bes-tö'shef). A Russian novelist and
soldier; born in St. Petersburg, Nov. 3, 1797
(not 1795); killed in battle in the Caucasus,
July 19, 1837. Of his numerous novels the
most celebrated are: (Ammalat-Beg); (The
Nadeshda Frigate); «The Terrible Prophecy. )
His Private Correspondence) is highly prized.
Bethune, George Washington (be-thön).
A distinguished American Dutch Reformed
clergyman and poet; born in New York, March
18, 1805; died at Florence, Italy, April 27,
1862. He was a most lovable man, noted as
an orator and a wit. He had charges at Rhine-
beck and Utica, N. Y. , Philadelphia, Brooklyn,
and New York city. Besides religious works
he wrote: (British Female Poets); Lays of
Love and Faith) (1847), several of the hymns
in which are widely used. He also published
an edition of Izaak Walton's 'Complete Angler)
(1846); etc.
Betteloni, Vittorio (bet-el-ö'nē). An Ital-
ian poet; born in Verona, 1840. He was edu-
cated in Pisa, and is now professor of Italian
literature and history in the Female College
in Verona. His verse proves him an adherent
of that Italian classical school which dates
from 1869, and includes: (In the Springtime)
(1869); New Stanzas) (1880); and a transla-
tion of Goethe's (Hermann and Dorothea.
Betts, Craven Langstroth. An American
poet and story-writer; born in New Brunswick,
1853. Besides translating (Songs from Béran-
ger) in the original metres, he wrote: (The
Perfume Holder, a Persian Love Poem); and
with A. W. H. Eaton, (Tales of a Garrison
Town.
Beyle, Marie-Henri (bāl), better known un-
der the pseudonym of “Stendhal. " A notable
French novelist and critic; born in Grenoble,
Jan. 23, 1783; died in Paris, March 23, 1842.
In spite of interruptions due to the political
upheavals in which he became involved, he
found time to display his critical and imagin-
ative genius in Rome, Naples, and Florence
in 1817,' (History of Painting in Italy, and
(About Love): but his celebrity now rests prin-
cipally upon (The Chartreuse (Carthusian Nun]
of Parma, a magnificent fiction, brilliantly ori-
ginal, witty, and absorbing; and to a less extent
upon (The Red and the Black) [i. e. , Priests
and Soldiers), a romance possible only to a
writer with the widest knowledge of men and
things.
