Olgerd Obukhovich Belarusian writer, translator Date of Birth: 06.08.1840 Country: Belarus

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Education and Travels
3. Involvement in the Uprising and Exile
4. Literary Career
5. Translations and Literary Circle
6. Lack of Publication and Later Years
7. Legacy and Impact

Early Life and Influences

Olgerd Obukhovich was born into a noble family in Belarus. His ancestry included the Italian noble line of Bandinelli, inspiring his literary pseudonyms: Count Bandinelli and Olgerd gr. Bandinelli.

Education and Travels

Obukhovich attended the Calvinist Gymnasium in Slutsk (1852-1854). During his travels through Europe, his interest in Calvinism deepened. He later moved to France and honed his proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian.

Involvement in the Uprising and Exile

Obukhovich actively participated in the uprising of 1863-1864, which resulted in his exile to Siberia. Upon his return, he attempted to distribute his land among the peasants but faced resistance from his family. He subsequently left his estate and settled in Slutsk.

Literary Career

Obukhovich became a renowned writer and translator in Slutsk. Alongside Francysk Bahushevich, he pioneered the genre of fables in Belarusian literature with works like "Werewolf," "Starshina," and "The Gathering." He adhered to the principle of literary nationalism and promoted critical realism in his writings.

Translations and Literary Circle

Obukhovich translated works from Polish, Russian, and Western European literature into Belarusian, including those by Ivan Krylov, Alexander Pushkin, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. A notable group of young writers gathered around him in Slutsk, forming a literary circle.

Lack of Publication and Later Years

Despite his prolificacy, Obukhovich's works were not officially published due to political circumstances. Consequently, only a small portion of his writings and translations have survived, disseminated through handwritten manuscripts. His fables "Werewolf" and "Starshina" were printed in "Belarusian Calendar" (1915), and excerpts from his memoirs appeared in the newspaper "Homan" (1916).

Legacy and Impact

Obukhovich engaged in debates with Francysk Bahushevich on the purity and dialectal basis of the Belarusian language. He remains an influential figure in Belarusian literature, known for his contributions to the development of fables, his adherence to critical realism, and his promotion of Belarusian culture.