What kinds of writers and literary periods did Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve discuss in Causeries du lundi?

In his series of essays titled Causeries du lundi, Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve maintained a wide-ranging curiosity that allowed him to select subjects freely from all eras and genres of French literature, spanning from ancient to modern times.1

While his primary focus remained on French authors, his critical and biographical essays also addressed writers from other European nations. His subjects were not limited to a specific literary period; rather, he examined a vast array of figures, including scholars, historians, and academicians.12

Sainte-Beuve’s approach was characterized by historical criticism, in which he provided comprehensive details regarding an author's life—such as their family background, education, character, and personal relationships—to offer a well-rounded view of their work. Although he was acquainted with contemporary writers like Gustave Flaubert and the Goncourt brothers, the rigorous demands of his weekly writing schedule meant his literary tastes largely ceased to develop after 1850.12