Negruzzi, Costache

Born October 1808, in Trifesşti, near Ias,i; died there Aug. 25 (Sept. 6), 1868. Moldavian and Rumanian writer.

Negruzzi was educated at home. Prior to the Revolution of 1848 he advocated democratic reforms and the development of a national culture. He was persecuted on two occasions for his article “Vandalism” (1838) and his novella Toderică (1844), based on P. Mérimée’s story. Later, his social views became more conservative.

Negruzzi made his literary debut with the series of short stories and essays My Bessarabian Amusements, which appeared between 1821 and 1823. Among his best works were the romantic novellas Zoe (1837) and The Race (1840). His historical novella Alexandru Lapusşneanu (1840), the first major work of Moldavian and Rumanian realistic prose, attacks the feudal aristocracy. Negruzzi also translated works by A. S. Pushkin, whom he met in Kishinev, A. D. Kantemir, V. Hugo, and other writers.