born Dec. 11, 1810, Paris, France
died May 2, 1857, Paris
French poet and playwright.
A member of a noble family, Musset came under the influence of Romanticism in adolescence and produced his first work, Stories of Spain and of Italy , in 1830. After an early play failed, he published historical tragedies and comedies but refused to let them be performed. He is best remembered for his poetry, including light satirical pieces and poems of dazzling technical virtuosity, as well as passionate, eloquent lyrics such as "La Nuit d'octobre" (1837). A fitful love affair with George Sand inspired some of his finest work.