Émile de Girardin

Émile de Girardin (1806-1881) was a French journalist and politician, born in Switzerland, the natural son of General Alexandre de Girardin. He took to stockbroking, but quitting it for journalism he soon established a reputation as a ready, vivacious writer, and in 1836 started La Presse, the first French penny paper. His rapid change of front in politics earned for him the nickname of "The Weathercock". Latterly he adhered to the Republican cause, and founded La France in its interest. He published many political brochures and a few plays, and was for some years editor of La Liberté.

His wife, Delphine Gay (1806-1881) also enjoyed a wide celebrity both as a beauty and authoress. Her poems, plays, and novels fill six volumes.

Nearby pages
Emile Deschamps, Emile Egger, Emile Monteegut, Emile Ollivier, Emile Souvestre