Octave Feuillet (1821-1890) was a French novelist and dramatist. He was born at Saint-Lô, Manche as the son of a Norman gentleman of learning and distinction. His mother died in his infancy and he was sent to the lycée Louis-le Grand, in Paris, where he achieved high distinction, and was destined for the diplomatic service. In company with Paul Bocage he began to write for the stage, and not without success. His first definite success was gained in the year 1852, when he published the novel Bellak and produced the comedy La Crise. He was elected to the French Academy in 1862, and in 1868 he was made librarian of Fontainebleau palace, where he had to reside for a month or two in each year.
