Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Mistral, Frédéric

MISTRAL, FRÉDÉRIC (mēs-träl′), a Provençal poet; born a peasant's son, near Maillaune, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, Sept. 8, 1830. He studied law at Avignon, but abandoned it for poetry. In 1859 he published the epic “Mirèio” written in his native Provençal dialect. This charming representation of life in southern France made his name famous and gained for him the poet's prize of the French Academy and the cross of the Legion of Honor. It also led to the formation of the society called Lou Felibrige, to create a modern Provençal literature. In 1867 Mistral published a second epic, “Calendou”; in 1876 a volume of poems, “Lis Iselo d'Or” (Golden Islands); and a novel, “Netro.” Died 1914.