Why did Stendhal's literary fame grow after his death?

Stendhal’s literary fame grew significantly after his death primarily due to the dedicated efforts of a group of admirers known as "Beylistes" or "Stendhalians," who cultivated a true cult following around his work.1

During his lifetime, Stendhal’s reputation was largely tied to his political writings, conversational wit, and books on the arts and tourism. His contemporaries often found his ironic, nimble sensibility difficult to appreciate, with the notable exception of Honoré de Balzac, who was the only one to recognize his genius as a novelist in 1840.1

His posthumous rise was fueled by the eventual publication of his autobiographical writings, such as The Life of Henry Brulard and Memoirs of an Egotist, which were released late in the 19th century. Today, Stendhal is recognized as one of the great 19th-century French masters of the novel, celebrated for his psychological depth, ironic realism, and his ability to remain perpetually contemporary.12