Laharpe, Jean François de (1739-1803)

French writer. He wrote a number of tragedies, including Warwick 1763, but is now best remembered for his critical lectures Lycée, ou Cours de littérature ancienne et moderne 1799-1805.

He was born in Paris. He was a friend of Voltaire and for a time an ardent supporter of the Revolution, but, having come under suspicion and been imprisoned 1794, he changed his views and became a supporter of the Church and crown. Other tragedies including Timoleon 1764, Melanie 1770, and Philoctete 1783.