Jules Claretie

French literary figure and director of the Théâtre Français.

After studying at the lycee Bonaparte in Paris, he became an active journalist, achieving great success as dramatic critic to the Figaro and to the Opinion nationale. He was a newspaper correspondent during the Franco-German War, and during the Commune acted as staff officer in the National Guard. In 1885 he became director of the Theatre Frangais, and from that time devoted his time chiefly to its administration. He was elected a member of the Academy in 1888, and took his seat in Feburary 1889.

He was a prolific writer. He died 13 December 1913.