Alphonse Marie Louis de Prat de Lamartine was born on 21 October 1790 in Mâcon, Burgundy, into a family of French provincial nobility. He spent his youth at the family estate, where he developed an interest in literature, influenced by authors such as Fénelon, Voltaire, and Shakespeare. In 1820, he published his first collection of poems, 'Les Méditations Poétiques,' which gained him immediate recognition, particularly for the poem 'Le Lac,' dedicated to Julie Charles. Lamartine was appointed a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1825 and worked at the French embassy in Italy until 1828. He became a member of the Académie française in 1829 and was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1833. His 1835 work, 'Voyage en Orient,' chronicled a journey to the East, during which he suffered the loss of his only daughter. Although he excelled in poetry, he shifted to prose in later years, producing works such as 'Jocelyn' and 'Histoire des Girondins,' the latter of which contributed to his reputation as a political figure.Initially a moderate royalist, Lamartine's political views evolved towards liberalism and republicanism, particularly during the July Monarchy of Louis-Philippe. He first attempted to enter Parliament in 1831 but was unsuccessful. After his election in 1833, he became a vocal critic of the monarchy, founding a 'Social Party' and opposing militaristic nationalism. His criticism of the government's actions during the Oriental Crisis of 1840 further solidified his position as a leading voice against the monarchy. Lamartine's 'Histoire des Girondins' was influential in shaping public opinion and is considered a factor in the 1848 revolution.During the 1848 French Revolution, Lamartine played a crucial role in establishing the Second Republic. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 24 February to 11 May 1848 and was a member of the Executive Commission. He declared the Republic from the balcony of the Hôtel de Ville and advocated for the preservation of the Tricolor flag as a symbol of national unity. His political efforts included the abolition of slavery and the death penalty, as well as the promotion of workers' rights. Despite his contributions, he lost the presidential election later that year to Louis Napoléon Bonaparte and subsequently withdrew from politics to focus on his literary career.In his later years, Lamartine published extensively on various subjects, including history and literature, often to support himself financially. He faced financial difficulties and lived in poverty, producing works such as 'Cours familier de littérature.' He died in Paris on 28 February 1869. Lamartine is recognized as a pioneering figure in French Romantic poetry and influenced later writers, including Paul Verlaine and Leo Tolstoy. His travels to the Middle East, particularly Lebanon, inspired his literary themes and he is remembered for his contributions to both literature and politics in 19th-century France.

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Alphonse de Lamartine