Prosper Merimee - French dramatist, historian, archaeologist, and short story writer. Born in Paris Sept. 28, 1803. Died in Cannes, France, Sept. 23, 1870 M閞im閑 studied law as well as Greek, Spanish, English, and Russian. He was the first interpreter of much Russian literature in France. M閞im閑 loved mysticism, history, and the unusual and was influenced by the historical fiction popularised by Sir Walter Scott and the cruelty and psychological drama of Pushkin. Many of his stories are mysteries set in foreign places, Spain and Russia being popular sources of inspiration. M閞im閑 met and befriended the Countess of Montijo in Spain in 1830. When her daughter became the empress Eug閚ie of France in 1853 he was made a senator.