Finding a DATE

[rene2006]

Hello,

I'am using SQL for the first time since a couple of years... and I ran into a little problem here:
I'm using MYSQL 4.1.15. and I have a table with a list of dates and one specific date <date>. From that list I want to pick the one date that's smaller than my <date>, but closest to it.

Here is an example:

My list:
1, 01.01.1900
2, 01.01.1920
3, 01.01.1940
4, 01.01.1960

If I have the <date> 15.06.1936, the query should pick 01.01.1920.

I am working on this now for about four hours... and can find a solution...

Thanks for any help!!!