Chevalier de Mailly

Who is Chevalier de Mailly?

The courtesy title chevalier de Mailly is accorded in France to a younger brother of the marquis or the comte de Mailly in each generation. Though several have carried the designation, the celebrated Jean, chevalier de Mailly — possibly a brother of Louis II de Mailly, comte de Mailly, seigneur de Rubempré, seigneur de Rieux, seigneur d'Haucourt— was the author of literary fairy tales, imaginary adventures, racy novels and romances, often published anonymously by necessity, sometimes published outside France. Departing from the formulas established by Mme d'Aulnoy, he introduced magic and marvels in his fairy tales to entertain his readers and bring his gallant lovers together. His fairy tales have often been reprinted and collected.