About
Vasile Alecsandri (1821-1890) was a major figure in 19th-century Romanian literature and politics. Born in Bacău, Moldavia, he was a founding member of the Romanian Academy and a leader in the 1848 revolution. He served as Romania's first Minister of Foreign Affairs (1859-1860) and as ambassador to France (1885-1890). In literature, he is known for his poetry collections, dramas, and pioneering folklore collection, including the ballad Miorița. He co-founded the literary journal Dacia Literară and is regarded as one of the most important Romanian writers.
* 1821-07-21 — † 1890-08-22
Major works
- Doine și lăcrimioare (1853)poetry collection
- Pasteluri (1868-1875)poetry collection
- Despot Vodă (1879)poetic drama
- Balade (1852-1853)folklore collection
- Hora Unirii (1856)poem
Key milestones
- 1840Co-founds the literary journal Dacia Literară with Mihail Kogălniceanu.
- 1848Leader of the revolutionary movement in Moldavia; co-author of the manifesto Dorințele partidei naționale din Moldova.
- 1859-1860Serves as Romania's first Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Themes
patriotismRomanian folklorenaturehistorynational identity
Sources: britannica.com · id.loc.gov · nli.org.il