Ilya Gruzdev Russian and Soviet literary scholar, literary critic, playwright, writer Date of Birth: 02.08.1892

1. Russian and Soviet Literary Scholar, Critic, and Writer
2. Early Life and Education
3. World War I and Writing Debut
4. " Serapion Brothers" and Literary Criticism
5. Gor'ky and Biography
6. World War II and Leningrad
7. Stalin's Intervention and Later Career
8. Legacy and Recognition

Russian and Soviet Literary Scholar, Critic, and Writer

Ilya Gruzdev was a renowned Russian and Soviet literary scholar, literary critic, playwright, and writer. He was born on August 2, 1892, in Saint Petersburg.

Early Life and Education

In 1911, Gruzdev graduated from the Petrovsky Commercial School and enrolled in the Faculty of History and Philology at Saint Petersburg University. With the outbreak of World War I, he joined the army as a medical orderly.

World War I and Writing Debut

During the war, Gruzdev began contributing to the newspaper "Zhizn Iskusstva" and publishing critical articles in various journals and anthologies. After receiving his degree in literature, he joined the Theater Department of the People's Commissariat of Education.

" Serapion Brothers" and Literary Criticism

Gruzdev became a member of the literary association "Serapion Brothers," where he actively participated in the organization. His critical essays, including the 1921 article "Face and Mask," established his reputation as a literary critic with a keen interest in the role of the narrator.

Gor'ky and Biography

Gor'ky's life and work became Gruzdev's primary scholarly focus. He researched and published numerous lesser-known facts about Gor'ky and authored the biographies "Life and Adventures of Maxim Gorky" (1926) and "Gorky" (1946). From 1925 to 1936, Gruzdev exchanged over 200 letters with Gor'ky. His most comprehensive biography of Gor'ky was published in the "Life of Remarkable People" series in 1958.

World War II and Leningrad

During the Great Patriotic War, Gruzdev served as the editor-in-chief of the journal "Zvezda" and remained in Leningrad throughout the siege.

Stalin's Intervention and Later Career

In 1948, Joseph Stalin intervened during the discussion of candidates for Stalin Prizes. He proposed that Gruzdev and Vadim Chetyerikov be awarded for the play "Voroniy Kamen." However, upon learning that Chetyerikov was in prison, Stalin dropped the suggestion.

Legacy and Recognition

Gruzdev passed away on December 11, 1960, in Leningrad. He was honored with the Order of the Red Banner of Labor in 1939. His contributions to literary scholarship, criticism, and biography continue to inspire literary researchers and students.