Portraits of the Seventeenth Century: Historic and Literary by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve is a captivating collection of biographical and critical essays exploring the lives and works of key figures in 17th-century France. Sainte-Beuve, a renowned literary critic, masterfully combines historical context with insightful literary analysis, offering vivid portraits of influential figures such as Cardinal Richelieu, Madame de Sévigné, and Corneille. Through his eloquent prose and keen observations, Sainte-Beuve illuminates the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Grand Siècle, providing a fascinating window into a transformative era in French history.