Alexander Boldyrev Soviet philologist, translator Date of Birth: 01.01.1896

1. Alexander Vasilyevich Boldyrev: Soviet Philologist and Translator
2. Early Life and Accusations
3. Imprisonment and Release
4. Academics and Translations
5. ABDEM and Classics

Alexander Vasilyevich Boldyrev: Soviet Philologist and Translator

Alexander Vasilyevich Boldyrev was a prominent Soviet philologist, translator, and member of the ABDEM association of young translators.

Early Life and Accusations

Born in 1905, Boldyrev's promising career took a drastic turn in 1928. He was arrested and accused of anti-Soviet activities, specifically of membership in an illegal anti-Soviet organization affiliated with a religious dissident, leading to charges under Article 58, Paragraph 11 of the Criminal Code.

Imprisonment and Release

In 1929, Boldyrev was sentenced to five years of labor camp in the notorious Solovki penal colony. After two years, he was released in 1931 and exiled to Kotlas for the remainder of his sentence.

Academics and Translations

Upon his return to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Boldyrev resumed teaching at the university. Despite his past, he published groundbreaking translations of Plato and other ancient authors. He also collaborated with Ya. M. Borovsky on a highly influential Latin textbook for universities.

ABDEM and Classics

In 1932, the Department of Classics at Leningrad State University was formally established under the direction of Olga Freudenberg. Boldyrev played a key role in the department's formation alongside other prominent scholars, including Ivan Tolstoy and Ilya Tronksy. He remained a respected member of the department until his untimely death in 1942.