Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) was a French humorist and satirist, who
wrote novels, plays, and short stories. He was born in Provence in
southeast France, a district of which he is typical in the warmth of
his imagination. He lived for a time at Lyons but later went to Paris,
where he came in contact with the literary artists of the capital.
Monsieur Daudet, like the moody, imaginative Hawthorne of America, was
guided and influenced in his literary career by his wife, whose
inspiring but practical mind guided his impulsive and impressionable
nature into its best outlet.
As a writer Daudet is remarkable for the grace of his style and the
keenness of his observations. Literary critics appreciate him, not only
for his polished style, but also for his originality and insight into
human nature.