Philippe-Ignace-François Aubert de Gaspé
Philippe-Ignace-François Aubert de Gaspé was a notable figure in early 19th-century Canadian literature, recognized as the author of what is considered the first French-Canadian novel. Born into a prominent family, he was the eldest son of Philippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspé, an aristocrat with a complex background. Aubert de Gaspé was educated at home before entering seminary school at thirteen, eventually leaving to pursue a career in journalism, contributing to publications like the Quebec Mercury and Le Canadien.
His life took a turbulent turn following an arrest in 1835 related to a confrontation with a political figure, which led to a month of imprisonment. Seeking retribution, he orchestrated an event that caused an evacuation of the House of Assembly. Following this incident, he sought refuge at his family's estate, where he began writing his novel, *L'Influence d'un livre*, which focused on a peasant discovering magical recipes. Despite its historical significance, the novel faced criticism upon its release in 1837, coinciding with a period of political turmoil that overshadowed literary pursuits. Tragically, Aubert de Gaspé's life was cut short when he died unexpectedly at the age of twenty-seven in Halifax. His contributions to literature and his unique experiences reflect a complex interplay of social, political, and cultural dynamics of his time.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Philippe-Ignace-François Aubert de Gaspé
Fiction Writer
- Born: April 8, 1814
- Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Died: March 7, 1841
- Place of death: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Biography
Philippe-Ignace-François Aubert de Gaspé was the eldest son of Philippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspé, a disgraced aristocrat who later redeemed himself in high society and published a novel late in life. Philippe-Ignace-François Aubert de Gaspé, who had twelve living brothers and sisters, was educated by his father before entering seminary school at age thirteen. Aubert de Gaspé remained at the seminary of Nicolet until 1932, when he left to become a journalist.
Aubert de Gaspé wrote for the Quebec Mercury and Le Canadien. In 1835, Aubert de Gaspé was arrested and imprisoned after an altercation with an assembly member who questioned his integrity. After serving a month in prison, Aubert de Gaspé was released. Seeking revenge, Aubert de Gaspé placed a bottle of asafetida in the House of Assembly, which forced an evacuation.
Fearing arrest, Aubert de Gaspé fled to his family’s estate in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. It was there, under his father’s tutelage, that Aubert de Gaspé began writing a novel, L’Influence d’un livre, which was about a peasant who discovered a book of magical recipes. Considered the first French-Canadian novel, it was published in 1837. The novel was met with criticism, being released during a politically contentious time when the public was little concerned with literature. With his fledging career in ruins, Aubert de Gaspé traveled to Halifax, where he died suddenly and unexpectedly at age twenty-seven.