BOUILLY

bouilly, jean nicolas (1763-1842), french author, was born near tours on the 24th of january 1763. at the outbreak of the revolution he held office under the new government, and had a considerable share in the organization of primary education. in 1799 he retired from public life to devote himself to literature. his numerous works include the musical comedy, _pierre le grand_ (1790), for gretry's music, and the opera, _les deux journees_ (1800), music by cherubini; also _l'abbe de l'epee_ (1800), and some other plays; and _causeries d'un vieillard_ (1807), _contes a ma fille_ (1809), and _les adieux du vieux conteur_ (1835). his _leonore_ (1798) formed the basis of the libretto of the _fidelio_ of beethoven. bouilly died in paris on the 14th of april 1842. see bouilly, _mes recapitulations_ (3 vols., 1836-1837); e. legouve, _soixante ans de souvenir_ (lere partie, 1886).