About
Adamántios Koraïs, born in Smyrna in 1748 and died in Paris in 1833, is a major figure of the Modern Greek Enlightenment. After studying medicine in Montpellier, he settled in Paris to devote himself to philology. He is credited with creating Katharevousa, a purified form of Modern Greek. His major work, the Hellenic Library (17 volumes, 1805-1826), edits classical texts with extensive Modern Greek prefaces. He also compiled the Atakta, the first dictionary of Modern Greek. An ardent supporter of Greek independence, he co-founded the Paris Philhellenic Society and corresponded with Thomas Jefferson.
* 1748-04-27 — † 1833-04-06
Major works
- Hellēnikē Bibliothēkē (1805-1826)editorial series
- Atakta (1828-1835)dictionary
- Asma Polemistērionpamphlet
- Salpisma Polemistērionpamphlet
Key milestones
- 1788Graduated in medicine from the University of Montpellier.
- 1805Publication of the first volume of the Hellenic Library.
- 1828Publication of the first volume of the Atakta, the first dictionary of Modern Greek.
Themes
Modern Greek EnlightenmentModern Greek languageGreek independenceEducationPhilhellenism
Sources: id.loc.gov · britannica.com