Born in Gascony, Gautier was educated, partly in his native town, partly
at the Lycée Charlemagne in Paris. Here he became a friend of Gérard de
Nerval, who was of such influence on the later decadent school. He was
a friend of the Romanticist, Victor Hugo, and the typical red waistcoat
which he wore at the first presentation of Hernani has become almost
historic. In 1830 he published a volume of verse, and two years later
_Albertus_ in the extreme Romantic style. A novelist and poet, he
traveled extensively and embodied his experiences and impressions in
many works on travel and art criticism. His work is characterized by a
remarkable esthetic appreciation, an almost flawless, ornate style, and
a strong tendency toward the fantastic. Faguet says of him: "Hldquo;He knew all
the resources of the French language and style." He stands above all for
form (cf. his poem, _L'Art_).
Important works: _Poésies_ (1830), _Albertus_ (1832), _Mademoiselle de
Maupin_ (1835), _Fortunio_ (1838), _Les Grotesques_ (1844), _Avatar and
Jettatura_ (1857), _Émaux et Camées_ (1858), _Le Roman de la Momie_
(1858), _Le Capitaine Fracasse_ (1863), besides descriptions of his
travels.
Edition: Charpentier, in 34 vols.