 He became known for his numerous translations of English writers (poetry) and his collaboration with P. J. Stahl in the adaptation of British classics (including William Shakespeare).Gustave de Wailly was his brother.He translated works from Matthew Gregory Lewis ("The Monk"), Jonathan Swift, Shakespeare, Henry Fielding ("The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling"), Robert Burns ("Poésies complètes"), Laurence Sterne ("The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman") and also Fanny Burney ("Evelina").