François Coppée

François Coppée was a notable French poet and dramatist born on January 26, 1842, in Paris, France. He was educated at the Lycée Saint-Louis in Paris, where he developed a strong foundation in literature. Coppée began his career as a clerk in the Ministry of War before transitioning to a full-time writer. He gained fame in the late 19th century as a member of the Parnassian school of poetry, which emphasized formal precision and detachment. While primarily recognized for his poetry and plays, Coppée also wrote stories that have been categorized as fairytales, such as 'The Wooden Shoes of Little Wolff.' His works often explored themes of everyday life and the struggles of the common people, earning him the nickname 'the poet of the humble.' Coppée was elected to the Académie Française in 1884, reflecting his significant contribution to French literature.