Petr Kozhevnikov Journalist, teacher, ecologist. Date of Birth: 08.06.1953 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Family Background
2. Education and Training
3. Career Highlights
4. Literary Debut and Publications
5. Affiliations and Honors
6. Values and Philosophy

Early Life and Family Background

Peter Valeryevich Kozhevnikovwas born on June 8, 1953, in Leningrad. His great-grandfather, Peter Gottfried Hansen, hailed from Denmark and married a Russian woman named Anna Vasilyevna Vasilyeva. Together, they pursued literary endeavors, translating renowned authors such as Hans Christian Andersen, Henrik Ibsen, Leo Tolstoy, and Ivan Goncharov. Peter Hansen's contributions earned him the title of nobleman and the rank of Privy Councilor (General). Anna Hansen established the Leningrad Writers' Union.

Kozhevnikov's grandmother, Marianna Petrovna Hansen-Kozhevnikova, also exhibited a proficiency in various languages. She engaged in translation and teaching, founding the Scandinavian Languages Department at Leningrad State University. His mother, Maryana Sergeevna Kozhevnikova, likewise worked as a translator and teacher. After World War II, she played a role in the Nuremberg Trials. Kozhevnikov's sister, Inna Pavlovna Strelblova, also displays a multilingual ability and has translated numerous authors while serving as a long-time university professor.

Education and Training

Kozhevnikov possesses a multifaceted educational background. He studied fine arts at the Evening Drawing Classes at the Repin Institute of Arts, obtained a mid-level technical degree from the Leningrad River College, and underwent specialized training in scuba diving and Eastern martial arts. Additionally, he attended an environmental seminar in the United States and pursued advanced humanities studies at the Literary Institute named after A.M. Gorky.

Career Highlights

Kozhevnikov's professional life began at the age of 14. He held various positions, including laboratory assistant, cargo worker, senior engineer, deputy director, and chief editor of media outlets such as "Kontakt-Inform" (All-Russian Society of Disabled Persons) and "Omnibus" (passenger transportation). He also worked as a director, actor, and author of literary works.

Kozhevnikov is the father of four children: Ignat, Elisey, Anna, and Peter.

Literary Debut and Publications

Kozhevnikov's literary breakthrough came with the publication of his novel "Melodies of Our Diaries" in 1979 in the anthology "Metropol." It was widely read on international radio stations, including Voice of America, BBC, and Liberty. In 1985, the novel was included in an American anthology on Soviet literature. Subsequently, a film adaptation titled "Angels in Paradise" was co-written with Yevgeny Lungin.

In the Soviet Union, Kozhevnikov's first publication appeared in 1989 in the magazine "Yunost." Subsequent works were published in various journals and almanacs, including "My," "Zvezda," and "Petropl." His prose collection "The Island" was released in 1991, followed by "Do Not Reject Me" in 1999.

Affiliations and Honors

Kozhevnikov is a member of the Union of Writers of Russia, the Literary Fund of Russia, the Worldwide PEN Club, and the Christian Democratic Union. He also serves as President of the Christian Ecological Union. In recognition of his literary contributions, he has received numerous awards, including the Boris Polevoy Medal.

Values and Philosophy

While Kozhevnikov acknowledges his nonconformist nature, he rejects labels such as "anti-Soviet" and "non-dissident." He believes that the role of a writer transcends these classifications. He is deeply invested in exploring his own life's journey and the stories of those around him. Through experimentation and risk-taking, he has evolved and embraced multiple identities and experiences, considering his own life as a canvas for his creative endeavors.