Martinican poet Edouard Glissant dies at age 83

[February 04, 2011]  PARIS (AP) -- France's prime minister says celebrated Martinican poet Edouard Glissant has died. He was 83.

In a statement, Francois Fillon paid homage to Glissant's work, which "marked several generations of thinkers and writers far beyond" his native French Caribbean island. Le Monde newspaper said Glissant died Thursday in Paris.

Born in Sainte-Marie, Martinique, on Sept. 21, 1928, Glissant was among the generation of French Caribbean poets who came to prominence in the 1950s and included the late Aime Cesaire.

Glissant published more than 20 books, including collections of poetry and critical analyses.

A graduate of La Sorbonne university in Paris, he taught at both Louisiana State University and at the City University of New York.

[Associated Press]

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