author
Richard Lesclide
1825–1892
A lively 19th-century French man of letters, he moved easily between journalism, theater, publishing, and fiction. He is also remembered for working closely with Victor Hugo in the writer's final years.
1 Audiobook
Véritables mémoires de Cagliostro
by Catulle Mendès, Richard Lesclide
About the author
Born in Bordeaux on December 1, 1825, Richard Lesclide became a remarkably versatile figure in French literary life. He wrote under several names, including Gabriel Richard and Le Grand Jacques, and worked as a writer, dramatist, journalist, editor, and publisher.
His career ranged widely: he contributed to the theater, published fiction, and took part in the busy world of Paris journalism and print culture. French library and reference sources also link him to the early promotion of the velocipede, showing how his interests reached beyond literature alone.
Lesclide is especially notable for serving as Victor Hugo's secretary during the last decade of Hugo's life. He later helped preserve that connection in print, including through works centered on Hugo's conversations and circle. He died in Paris on May 15, 1892.