Born into an aristocratic family, Vigny was well-educated and, in 1814, joined the Maison du Roi regiment. He continued to serve in the army for twelve years, but even before he resigned, he had published some poetry in 1820 and an epic poem, Eloa, in 1824. In 1826, he published Cinq Mars, and the success of this convinced him to leave the army and concentrate on writing. In 1831, he published La Marechale d'Ancre, his first play. In 1835, his play Chatterton, was a huge success. Nevertheless, Vigny's personal life was an unhappy one and on the death of his mother in 1838, he moved to the family estate, Maine-Giraud, and became somewhat of a recluse, although he continued to write. In 1845, he was elected to the Academie Francaise. He died of stomach cancer in 1863. His other works include Poems (1822), Stello (1832), Quitte pour la peur (1833), Servitude et grandeur militaire (1835) and Journal d'un poete (1867 posthumous). |
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