Alexander Pushkin

1799 - 1837, Moscow, Russian Empire

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was a Russian poet, playwright, and novelist of the Romantic era. He is considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. Pushkin was born into Russian nobility in Moscow. His father, Sergey Lvovich Pushkin, was descended from a distinguished family of the Russian nobility. Pushkin published his first poem at the age of 15, and was widely recognized by the literary establishment by the time of his graduation from the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Pushkin's work is characterized by its exceptional beauty of language and its acceptance of aristocratic values. His writings, which draw heavily on his own experiences and the drama of his short and tragic life, encompass a wide range of political, historical, and amorous themes. He died in a duel defending his wife's honor at the age of 37.