Ivan Franko

Ukrainian poet and writer (1856–1916)

Ivan Franko (August 27, 1856 — May 28, 1916) was a Ukrainian writer, poet, translator, and public figure. He is known for his contributions to Ukrainian literature and culture, and is widely considered one of the most important Ukrainian writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Franko was born in the Austrian Empire (now Ukraine), and grew up in a family of modest means. Despite this, he was able to attend university in Lviv, where he studied history and philosophy. He later went on to study law in Vienna, and became a prominent public figure, advocating for the rights of the Ukrainian people.

Throughout his life, Franko was an active participant in Ukrainian cultural and political life. He was a member of several organizations devoted to promoting Ukrainian culture and language, and played an important role in the development of modern Ukrainian literature. He was also a member of the Austrian parliament, and advocated for the rights of the Ukrainian people both in Austria and in Ukraine.