Paul Fort

Poet, born in Reims, NE France. He established the Théâtre d'Art (1890–3) where he presented original plays, and recitals of Symbolist poetry. His own work includes the play Louis XI, curieux Homme, dedicated to Pierre Louÿs, and he collaborated on various reviews including Le Mercure de France, and founded and edited Vers et Prose (1905–14), which published the work of important Symbolist writers. His sentimental and ironic style was popular, and includes Chansons pour me consoler d'être heureux (from 1913). He is best known for Ballades Françaises (vol 1, 1897), inspired by folklore, which earned him the title of ‘Prince des Poètes’.

Born on in Reims, Marne département, France, he became an important part of the artistic community of Montparnasse.