Philippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspé
Philippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspé (1786-1871) was a prominent French-language writer from Quebec, known primarily for his historical novel "Les Anciens Canadiens." Born into a wealthy family and educated in Quebec, he pursued a career in law and public administration, serving as a lieutenant and later captain in the Quebec militia. His civic engagement included roles such as the vice president of Quebec's first literary society and sheriff of the district of Quebec.
Aubert de Gaspé experienced significant personal turmoil, declaring bankruptcy in 1838 and spending three years in prison, which led to a retreat to his family estate. During this period, he deepened his literary studies and fostered a love of literature in his eldest son, who would become an important figure in French-Canadian literature. After regaining his fortune in 1842, he re-entered high society and continued to write, publishing his autobiography "Mémoires" at the age of eighty. His life journey reflects both the cultural richness of Quebec and the struggles faced by individuals during significant historical transitions.
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Subject Terms
Philippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspé
Author
- Born: October 30, 1786
- Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Died: January 29, 1871
- Place of death: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Biography
Philippe-Joseph Aubert de Gaspé was born to a wealthy family in the 1780’s. Educated in Quebec, Aubert de Gaspé became a lawyer and served in public administration. In 1804, he served as a lieutenant in the Quebec militia, eventually becoming captain of the First Battalion of Quebec District. Coinciding with his rise in military rank, Aubert de Gaspé was promoted to the post of deputy judge advocate in the realm of Lower Canada. In 1809, Aubert de Gaspé, a participant in many civic and leisure groups, became the vice president of Quebec’s first literary society. In 1816, he was awarded the position of sheriff of the district of Quebec.
Aubert de Gaspé married Susanne Allison in 1811, with whom he had thirteen children. In 1838, Aubert de Gaspé became bankrupt and was imprisoned, losing all of his prestige. Released three years later, Aubert de Gaspé retired with his wife and children to his family’s estate, where he remained for the next thirty years. In his exile, Aubert de Gaspé studied literature. He imparted his knowledge and love of literature to his eldest son, Philippe-Ignace- François Aubert de Gaspé, who is acknowledged as the fist French-Canadian novelist.
Aubert de Gaspé regained his fortune in 1842, when he received a double inheritance. He then left his family estate for Rue des Ramparts. By 1850, Aubert de Gaspé was again circulating within Quebec’s high society. In 1863, Aubert de Gaspé published a historical novel, Les Anciens Canadiens (The Canadians of Old, 1964), based on his life. At age eighty, in 1866, Aubert de Gaspé published his autobiography, Mémoires.