CSOKONAI, MIHALY VITEZ Hungarian poet, was born at Debreczen on Nov. 17, 1773, and died there on Jan. 28, 1805. Appointed professor of poetry in his native town he lost his position on account of his irregular life, and the rest of his short existence was spent in extreme poverty. He had real genius and some of the lyrical fire of Petofi. His comedies and farces had some success, but his fame rests on his lyrics, inspired by the rich stores of Hungarian folk-song.
His collected works were edited in 1831 by Maxton; there are other editions, the latest (3 vols.) in 1924.