Romania #1849 (1966) – George Coșbuc (1866-1918), Romanian Poet

George Coșbuc (1866-1918) was a prominent Romanian poet, journalist, translator, teacher, and political figure. He is considered one of the most important literary figures in Romanian literature. Here are some key points about George Coșbuc:

1. Early Life and Education: Coșbuc was born on September 20, 1866, in Hordou, Bistrița-Năsăud, which was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time. He received his primary education in his hometown and later studied at the Romanian high school in Năsăud and the Teacher Training Institute in Năsăud and Cluj.
2. Literary Career: Coșbuc’s literary career started with his poetry, which often addressed social and political issues. He is known for his satirical and patriotic poems, as well as his poems about the life of the Romanian people.
3. Journalism: In addition to his poetry, Coșbuc was a prominent journalist. He worked for various publications and used his writing to support social and political causes. He often wrote about the struggles of the common people and advocated for their rights.
4. Translator: Coșbuc was also a skilled translator, and he translated numerous works from French and German into Romanian. His translations contributed to the dissemination of foreign literature in Romania.
5. Political Involvement: George Coșbuc was involved in the political and cultural life of Romania. He was a member of the Romanian Academy and a supporter of the Romanian National Party.
6. Legacy: Coșbuc’s poetry is known for its accessibility and its themes of love, nature, and social justice. His works continue to be widely read and appreciated in Romania, and he is celebrated as a national poet.
7. Death: George Coșbuc passed away on May 9, 1918, in Bucharest, Romania. His contributions to Romanian literature and culture have left a lasting impact.

George Coșbuc’s poetry reflects the spirit of his time and remains an important part of Romanian literary heritage, appreciated for its social consciousness and lyrical qualities.