Prosper Mérimée

Born in Paris in 1803, Prosper Mérimée became one of the most distinctive French writers of the 19th century. He wrote short fiction, novellas, plays, and works of history, and he is still widely remembered for Carmen, as well as stories such as Colomba and Mateo Falcone.

Mérimée also had a long career in public service. After studying law and entering government work, he was appointed inspector-general of historical monuments in France, a role in which he helped survey and protect important historic sites and buildings.

His writing is often admired for being clear, restrained, and quietly intense. Even in brief works, he could create vivid settings, strong tension, and memorable characters, which is one reason his stories have continued to attract readers long after his death in 1870.