François Coppée

François Coppée was born in Paris in 1842 and quickly became famous for his poetry, drama and novels, which are usually about poverty and patriotism. He was very successful in his lifetime and his work was very popular with the French people. Critics were often less kind though and now Coppée’s work is almost forgotten. Coppée died in 1908, a nationalist in his politics and his writing.

Articles by François Coppée

A Piece of Bread

IntermediateFiction

In this French story about the war with Germany in 1870, a wealthy, young Frenchman joins the Army to defend his country. Conditions are terrible and he misses his old, luxurious life. One day, he throws a piece of bread in the dirt but it is quickly picked up by another soldier. His story and their friendship change his life. (1,820 words)