Pierre Loti was elected a member of the French Academy in 1891,
succeeding to the chair of Octave Feuillet. Some of his writings are:
'Aziyade,' written in 1879; the scene is laid in Constantinople. This
was followed by 'Rarahu,' a Polynesian idyl (1880; again published under
the title 'Le Mariage de Loti,' 1882). 'Roman d'un Spahi' (1881) deals
with Algiers. Taton-gaye is a true bete-humaine, sunk in moral slumber or
quivering with ferocious joys. It is in this book that Loti has eclipsed
Zola. One of his masterpieces is 'Mon Freye Yves' (ocean and Brittany),
together with 'Pecheur d'Islande' (1886); both translated into German by
Elizabeth, Queen of Roumania (Carmen Sylva). In 1884 was published 'Les
trois Dames de la Kasbah,' relating also to Algiers, and then came
'Madame Chrysantheme' (1887), crowned by the Academy. 'Japoneries
d'automne' (1889), Japanese scenes; then 'Au Maroc' (Morocco; 1890).
Partly autobiographical are 'Le Roman d'un Enfant' (1890) and 'Le Livre
de la Pitie et de la Mort' (1891). Then followed 'Fantomes d'Orient'
(1892), 'L'Exilee' (1893), 'Le Desert' (Syria; 1895), 'Jerusalem,
La Galilee'(Palestine; 1895), 'Pages choisies' (1896), 'Ramuntcho' (1897),
'Reflets sur la Sombre Route' (1898), and finally 'Derniers Jours de Pekin'
(1903). Many exquisite pages are to be found in Loti's work. His
composition is now and then somewhat disconnected; the impressions are
vague, almost illusory, and the mirage is a little obscure, but the intense
and abiding charm of Nature remains. Loti has not again reached the level
of 'Madame Chrysantheme,' and English critics at least will have to suspend
their judgment for a while. In any event, he has given to the world many
great books, and is shrined with the Forty "Immortals."

ALBERT SOREL
de l'Academie Francaise.