Men of the Time, eleventh edition/Augier, Guillaume Victor Émile
AUGIER, Guillaume Victor Émile, dramatic poet, born at Valance (Dôme), Sept. 17, 1820, and destined for the bar, soon, however, devoted his attention to literature. His first piece, "La Ciguë," a two-act drama, in verse, refused in 1844 by the directors of the Théâtre Français, on account of the youth of the author—he was only twenty-four—was received at the Odéon. The directors of the Théâtre Français, made aware of their mistake (1845), admitted "La Ciguë" into its repertory, and it is still played with success. In 1849 appeared "Gabrielle," which gained the Monthyon prize from the Academy. "Le Gendre de M. Poirier," a comedy, written in conjunction with M. Jules Sandeau, appeared in 1855; and in the same year "Le Mariage d'Olympe," a drama in three acts. In 1858 he published a collection of " Poésies," containing some pretty idyls. Among his later works are "Les Effrontés," 1861; "Le Fils de Giboyer," 1862; "Maître Guérin," a comedy in five acts, "Paul Forestier," a comedy in four acts, "Les Lions et les Renards," 1871; "Jean de Thomeray," written in conjunction with M. Jules Sandeau, 1873; "Madame Caverlet," 1876; "Le Prix Martin," 1876; "Mademoiselle de la Reynie," 1876; and "Les Fourchambault," performed at the Théâtre Français, April 8, 1878. M. Augier has been called the "poet of good sense," in contradistinction to some of his contemporaries. He was elected to succeed M. Salvandy in the French Academy, Jan. 28, 1858, received the Legion of Honour in 1850, was made Grand Officer June 19, 1858, and Commander Aug. 15, 1868.