Fay, ANDRÁS

Fay, ANDRÁS, a Hungarian poet and author, was born on 30th May 1786 at Kohany. He was educated for the legal profession, but abandoned it for literature, writing fables, plays, romances, and tales. The fables show richness of invention, simplicity of design, and truth of character. Of the novels the most interesting are The House of the Beltekis (1832) and Doctor Javor (1855), both humorous. From 1825 to 1840 Fay was one of the chief leaders of the Liberal opposition. He was the founder of the first savings-bank at Pesth, and one of the founders of the Hungarian national theatre. His earlier works were published in eight volumes at Pesth, 1843-44, and his novels in three volumes in 1883. He died 26th July 1864.