Paul Verlaine

French poet famous for symbolism, subtle tenderness and delicate quality. Many of his poems have been set to music by Faure and Debussy. His first book of poems was released in 1866, quickly attracting attention and he became a member of the literary salons. Verlaine's major book of poetry, "Romances Sans Paroles" in 1874 contains some of his most haunting verses.

His personal life was unhappy and disorganized. Verlaine's marriage to Mathilde Maute de Fleuville in 1870 was strained by his bohemian habits and homosexual relationship with Rimbaud. It ended in a legal separation in 1872 and divorce in 1885. One source of unhappiness for him was his lover, Rimbaud, whom he shot after a quarrel in 1873. Verlaine was imprisoned for two years for his crime.

His indulgences in alcohol and debauchery helped lead to his death on 8 January 1896, Paris, France.