The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Samain, Albert
(älbr´ sämN´) (KEY) , 18581900, French poet. He was a founder (1890) of the literary periodical Mercure de France. His first collection of verse, Au jardin de linfante (1893, reissued with LUrne penchée, 1897), was in a symbolist vein, but he was subsequently influenced by the Parnassians. Some of his best work appeared as Le Chariot dor (1901). Samains verse is distinguished by its melancholy tone and musical quality.