Nikolay Nekrasov entered the Saint Petersburg University philosophy faculty as a part-time student in 1839, marking a pivot point in a life defined by intense literary output. Throughout his career, he functioned as a poet, journalist, and critic, leaving an enduring mark on the cultural landscape of the nineteenth-century Russian literary establishment through his editorial work.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1821 in Nemyriv, Nekrasov moved to his father's estate in Greshnevo, Yaroslavl province, by 1823. His father, an officer in the Imperial Russian Army, retired early to manage the estate. In 1832, he enrolled in the Yaroslavl Gymnasium but exited the institution before graduating. By 1837, he moved to Saint Petersburg against his father's wishes, leading to a period of financial hardship. Between 1839 and 1841, he attended Saint Petersburg State University as a part-time student.
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His professional writing career launched in October 1838 with the publication of his poem Thought in the journal Syn Otechestva. He adopted the pseudonym Perepelsky to write fairytales, vaudevilles, and ABC-books. In 1840, he published a collection titled Dreams and Sounds, though he later destroyed most copies. His early professional efforts also included working as a literary critic under the mentorship of Fyodor Koni.
Editorial Influence and Later Years
Nekrasov served as an editor for several periodicals, most notably Otechestvennye Zapiski. His work as an opinion journalist and editor shaped contemporary discourse, providing a platform for his own writing. He remained active in the literary scene until his death in 1878 at age 57. He is buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Saint Petersburg.
Fast facts
- Born: 1821, Nemyriv
- Died: 1878, Saint Petersburg
- Burial site: Novodevichy Cemetery
- Primary education: Imperial St. Petersburg University
- Employer: Otechestvennye Zapiski
- Occupations: Poet, journalist, critic
- Primary language: Russian
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Nekrasov address in his poetry?
His work frequently explored the plight of the Russian peasantry and women.
What was his professional contribution beyond writing poetry?
He was a prolific journalist, literary critic, autobiographer, and publisher.
Achievements
- Genres: poetry
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