Stael-Holstein, Anne, Baroness de

(the only child of Necker, Swi banker^and minister of finance to Louis XVI.), was bom in 1766. Her mother was very severe with her, but her father encouraged her to converse with the eminent philosophers who frequented his house. In 1786 she published “ Sophia" (a comedy), and “Lady Jane Grey” and "Montmorency” (two tragedies); and the same year she Stanley, marrieef Baron de Stael-Holstein, Swedish amba ador at the French court. In 1788 she published her “ Lettres sur les Ecrits et le CaractSre de Rou eau.” At the outbreak of the revolution J. J. in 1789, she exercised considerable power, through her lather's high position at court and her own wit and charm but in the Reign of Terror she fled to Switzerland, after vainly endeavouring to save her friends and the royal family. She caine to England in 1793, and published her “ Reflections on the Trial of the Queen” and “Reflections on the Peace." During the Directory she returned to Paris, becoming again influential; and she published her e ay on “ The Pa ions.” Napoleon banished her, ancl she described her wanderings in “Ten Years of Exile." She also wrote " Literature considered in its Relations to Social Institutions.” “Delphine.” “Corine ou 1' Italic" (her most popular work, showing knowledge STANLEY, of Italian life and scenery), and also “De rAllemagne” (showing want of knowledge of the German character), and also “ Principal Events of the French Revolution.” She died in 1817, having secretly married M. de Rocca in 1812, ten years after her first husband's death.