Famous Russian Literary Critics

Viktor Borisovich Shklovsky was a renowned Russian and Soviet literary theorist, critic, writer, and pamphleteer, known for his significant contributions to Russian formalism. His seminal work, "Theory of Prose," published in 1925, solidified his reputation as a leading figure in literary and cultural theory. Shklovsky's innovative ideas and critical insights continue to be celebrated by scholars and critics worldwide, recognizing him as a pivotal figure in twentieth-century cultural thought and a driving force in Russian cultural life during his time.

Nikolay Gavrilovich Chernyshevsky was a prominent Russian literary and social critic, journalist, novelist, democrat, and socialist philosopher. He is recognized as a key figure in the 1860s revolutionary democratic movement in Russia. Chernyshevsky's work was influential in shaping the ideologies of utopian socialism, Russian nihilism, and Narodniks. Despite facing exile to Siberia later in his life, he continued to be a significant intellectual force. His contributions were highly regarded by notable figures such as Karl Marx, Georgi Plekhanov, and Vladimir Lenin.

Nikolai Gumilev was a prominent Russian poet, literary critic, traveler, and military officer. He played a significant role in the Acmeist movement as a co-founder, advocating for clarity and precision in poetry. Gumilev's works reflected his diverse interests and experiences, drawing inspiration from his travels and military service. His contributions to Russian literature were characterized by innovative themes and imagery. Despite his untimely demise at the hands of the Cheka in 1921, Gumilev's legacy as a talented and influential literary figure endures.

Vissarion Grigoryevich Belinsky was a prominent Russian literary critic known for his Westernizing tendencies. He played a key role in shaping the career of poet and publisher Nikolay Nekrasov through the popular magazine Sovremennik. Belinsky's influence was significant among the younger generation, particularly in advocating for individual expression within society. He focused on literary criticism as a means of expressing his views, which were often critical of autocracy and theocracy, emphasizing reason, knowledge, and the importance of individual rights within society.

Andrei Bely, also known as Boris Nikolaevich Bugaev, was a prominent Russian novelist, Symbolist poet, theorist, and literary critic. He was recognized for his novel "Petersburg," considered a significant work in modernist literature. Bely was a committed anthroposophist and follower of Rudolf Steiner. His influence extended to the cultural sphere, with the establishment of the Andrei Bely Prize in Russian literature in his honor. Bely's poetry was highly regarded and set to music by Russian singer-songwriters, showcasing his enduring impact on the arts.

Korney Ivanovich Chukovsky was a renowned Russian children's poet known for his inventive rhymes and absurd characters, often compared to Dr. Seuss. His popular poems such as "The Monster Cockroach" and "Wash-'em-Clean" have delighted generations of Russophone children. Chukovsky also translated works by notable authors like Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, and Oscar Wilde into Russian, and adapted Doctor Dolittle stories into a book-length poem. He was a respected literary critic and essayist, leaving a lasting impact on Russian literature and culture.

Vyacheslav Ivanovich Ivanov was a prominent Russian poet, playwright, Classicist, and literary theorist of the Symbolist movement. He played a key role in the Russian literary bohemia, presiding over a influential literary salon in St. Petersburg. Ivanov was a mentor to several notable figures, like Anna Akhmatova and Boris Pasternak. His avant-garde dramatic theories greatly influenced the theatre world, inspiring directors like Vsevolod Meyerhold. After emigrating to Italy, Ivanov converted to the Russian Greek Catholic Church and defended Christianity in a public debate, enhancing his intellectual reputation in the West.

Nikolay Alexandrovich Dobrolyubov was a Russian poet, literary critic, and journalist known for his contributions to the Russian revolutionary movement. He gained prominence for his incisive literary critiques, advocating for social reform and exposing societal injustices. Dobrolyubov's writings resonated with figures like Karl Marx and Lenin, who admired his courage and intellect. His work inspired change and challenged the status quo, making him a respected and influential figure in Russian literature and intellectual circles during his lifetime.

Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev was a prominent Russian Slavist and ethnographer renowned for compiling an extensive collection of East Slavic and Russian fairy and folk tales. His work included tales not only from Russia but also from Ukraine and Belarus, making his collection diverse and comprehensive. The first edition of his collection, published in eight volumes over a period of 12 years, solidified his reputation as a significant figure in the world of folklore studies, often likened to the renowned Brothers Grimm.

Nikolay Konstantinovich Mikhaylovsky was a prominent figure in Russian literary criticism and sociology. He contributed significantly to the Narodniki movement, a populist movement advocating for social justice and equality. Mikhaylovsky's work as a writer on public affairs and his role as a theoretician within the Narodniki movement solidified his reputation as an influential thinker. He played a crucial role in shaping intellectual discourse in Russia during the late 19th century, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of literature, sociology, and social activism.

Ivan Kireyevsky was a prominent Russian philosopher and literary critic known for his contributions to Slavophilism. He played a key role in the Slavophile movement, advocating for the preservation of Russian culture and values against Western influences. Kireyevsky's critical works on literature and philosophy influenced the development of Russian intellectual thought during the 19th century. He was a key figure in promoting a return to traditional Russian Orthodox spirituality and culture, emphasizing the importance of national identity and distinctiveness.

Valery Bryusov was a prominent figure in Russian literature, known for his contributions as a poet, prose writer, dramatist, translator, critic, and historian. He played a crucial role in the Russian Symbolist movement, emerging as one of its key members. Bryusov's professional life was marked by his dedication to exploring symbolism and pushing the boundaries of literary expression. Through his diverse talents and wide-ranging interests, he left a lasting impact on Russian literature and culture during his lifetime.

Konstantin Sergeyevich Aksakov was a Russian critic and writer known for his contributions to Slavophilism. He wrote plays, social criticism, and histories of the ancient Russian social order. Aksakov was one of the first to analyze Gogol's work "Dead Souls" and compared the author to literary giants like Homer and Shakespeare. He also advocated for the restoration of the zemsky sobor to Tsar Alexander II. Aksakov's professional life was characterized by his writings on Slavonic linguistics and his role as a prominent figure in Russian literary criticism.

Mark Aldanov was a prolific Russian and French writer and critic known for his historical novels. His works were translated into multiple languages, gaining him international popularity. Notably, he wrote a book about Vladimir Lenin, a trilogy exploring the roots of the Russian Revolution, and a tetralogy on the Napoleonic wars. In total, he published 16 major literary works along with numerous articles and essays. Aldanov's significant contributions to literature were recognized through his nomination for the Nobel Prize in Literature thirteen times.

Fyodor Aleksandrovich Abramov was a prominent Russian novelist and literary critic known for his focus on the difficult lives of the Russian peasant class. His works often portrayed their struggles and hardships, earning critical acclaim. Despite his success, Abramov faced frequent reprimands for straying from Soviet writing policies. Through his writing, he shed light on the challenges faced by the Russian peasantry while also navigating the complexities of conforming to the political expectations of the time.

Apollon Aleksandrovich Grigoryev was a prominent figure in Russian literature, known for his contributions as a poet, literary and theatrical critic, translator, and author of popular art songs. He played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of his time through his insightful critiques and creative works. Grigoryev's versatility allowed him to excel in various artistic endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on Russian literature and music. His legacy continues to be celebrated for his valuable contributions to the arts during the 19th century.