Egor Isaev Russian Soviet poet and publicist Date of Birth: 02.05.1926 Country: Russia

1. Biography of Egor Isaev
2. From Soldier to Poet
3. Recognition as a Poet
4. Other Notable Works
5. Publications and Political Involvement
6. Literary Legacy

Biography of Egor Isaev

Egor Alexandrovich Isaev was born on May 2, 1926 in the village of Korshevo, Bobrovsky District, Voronezh Province. He grew up in an ordinary family and aspired to become a writer. In pursuit of his dreams, he enrolled in the A.M. Gorky Moscow Literary Institute, from which he graduated with distinction.

From Soldier to Poet

Isaev started his literary career while serving as a soldier. Inspired by the sight of a destroyed city, he wrote the poem "Ballad of Warsaw" while participating in its liberation. He went on to serve in various military operations, including those near Berlin and Prague. Despite his military responsibilities, Isaev continued to write and publish his works in divisional and national newspapers.

Recognition as a Poet

Isaev gained recognition as a poet with the publication of his poem "Face to Face" ("Over the Waves of the Danube") in the literary almanac "Literary Voronezh." This poem explored the psychological aspects of human relationships during war and the soldiers' attitudes towards war. It established Isaev as an accomplished poet. His poems "The Trial of Memory" (1962) and "The Distance of Memory" further delved into the theme of "man and war," solidifying Isaev's position as one of the leading anti-fascist poets. These works were awarded the Lenin Prize in 1980 and became central to Isaev's literary career.

Other Notable Works

Throughout the 1960s and 1980s, Isaev wrote several poems, including "The Hunter Killed the Crane," "The Twenty-Fifth Hour," "Butsen," and "Complaint of the Cross." Although not as widely recognized as "The Distance of Memory," these poems left a lasting impact on Russian literature.

Publications and Political Involvement

In addition to poetry, Isaev was actively engaged in public activities and wrote numerous essays and articles, which were published in several books. His most well-known work in this genre is "To Live a Life." In 1980, he was elected as the secretary of the Union of Soviet Writers, a position that held significant influence over the literary life of the Soviet Union. Isaev's literary and public contributions were acknowledged with several state awards, including the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Patriotic War, and the Order of the Red Banner of Labor. His last major recognition came in 2008 when he was awarded the "Big Literary Prize of Russia" for his lifelong literary work.

Literary Legacy

Isaev's literary works were characterized by concise and precise language, profound insights into human thoughts and emotions, and an active civic stance. While influenced by Soviet ideology, as was common among writers of the 20th century, his works remain relevant as exemplary literature and poetic accounts of the country's history. Egor Isaev passed away on July 8, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of timeless poetry.