Alexander Chodźko

Born in Krzywicze (modern-day Belarus) in 1804, Aleksander Chodźko was the son of Polish novelist and playwright, Jan Chodźko. He was the pupil of Tomasz Zan (a former member of the Philomaths), and attended the Imperial University of Vilnius. During 1823-1824, like Mickiewicz, he was arrested for participating in anti-Russian organizations. After his release from prison, Chodźko studied Eastern languages and literature in St. Petersburg and worked at the consular posts in Tehran and Rashta. Chodźko, an Orientalist, researched oral traditions, Persian language, and literature while living in Iran. In 1842, he settled in Paris and succeeded Adam Mickiewicz as the professor of Slavic literature at the College de France from 1857 to 1883. Chodźko, also like Mickiewicz, was a follower of Towiański’s mysticism. His poetry was deeply influenced by Persian motifs and literature, and he also translated folk tales, poetry and dramas from Persian, Turkish, and various dialects and was praised for his knowledge of both languages by diplomats and academic societies. Chodźko died in 1891 near Paris.

Works included in our catalog: “Morel”