 |
Petr KoshelSoviet, Russian writer, historian, translator
Date of Birth: 20.04.1946
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Early Life and Influences
- Literary Pursuits
- Poetic Recognition
- Historical Scholarship
- Publisher and Editor
Early Life and Influences
Pyotr Koshhel was born into a family with a wartime history. His father served as a partisan saboteur and later worked as a railway station guard in Slutsk. In 1952, the family moved to Sakhalin to help rebuild the railway system after the Soviet-Japanese war.
Koshhel's childhood in the remote town of Smirnykh, Sakhalin, was filled with harsh living conditions and unusual encounters. He became acquainted with released prisoners and befriended soldiers, from whom he obtained communication devices and listened to "Voice of America" on the radio.
Literary Pursuits
At the age of 18, Koshhel moved to the mainland and lived in various regions including Siberia, Moldova, and the Baltics. He pursued different occupations such as factory work, advertising, and teaching in a rural school.
In 1973, Koshhel enrolled in the Gorky Literary Institute. Despite his involvement in underground literary journals, he was transferred to the correspondence course after the first year. He studied under the guidance of poet Yevgeny Vinokurov.
Poetic Recognition
During his time at the Literary Institute, literary critic Vyacheslav Ogrysko recognized Koshhel as one of the six notable poets in Russia. Koshhel's renowned poem "The Door Opens, Father Enters" contributed to his reputation. He formed close friendships with poets Anatoly Peredreev and Yuri Kuznetsov.
Historical Scholarship
Koshhel transitioned from poetry to historical scholarship, authoring the acclaimed work "History of Russian Terrorism." This book was translated into Chinese and Bulgarian, showcasing his expertise in a diverse field.
Publisher and Editor
From 1982 to 1995, Koshhel served as the leading editor at the "Soviet Writer" publishing house. His role involved overseeing the translation of poetry from Ukraine, Belarus, and the North Caucasus, demonstrating his commitment to fostering literary exchange.
