Petr Shalikov Journalist and writer Date of Birth: .

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Literary Career and Sentimentalism
3. Journalistic Endeavors
4. Character and Controversies
5. Literary Legacy

Early Life and Military Service

Pyotr Ivanovich Shalikov, a Georgian-born prince, embarked on a military career. In 1797, he served in the suppression of a peasant rebellion in the Tula province. After his resignation from the army, Shalikov dedicated himself solely to literary pursuits.

Literary Career and Sentimentalism

A Prominent Sentimentalist:Shalikov emerged as an ardent advocate of Nikolay Karamzin's sentimentalism, a literary movement characterized by emotional sensitivity and a focus on personal experiences. Throughout his career, Shalikov remained a staunch sentimentalist and published his works in prominent literary journals.

Poetic and Prose Publications:Shalikov's poetic and prose works were published in numerous journals. His poetry was collected in the volumes "Fruit of Free Sentiments" and "Flowers of Grace." His travelogues, "Travels in Ukraine" and "Travels to Kronstadt," mimicked the style of Karamzin's "Letters of a Russian Traveler."

Journalistic Endeavors

Founder of Numerous Magazines:Shalikov established several influential journals, including "Moscow Spectator," "Aglaya," and "Ladies' Journal." These journals emphasized refined taste, literary criticism, and "gentle female sensitivity."

Editor of "Moscow Gazette":For 25 years, Shalikov served as the editor of "Moscow Gazette." His tenure attracted widespread mockery and negative criticism, earning him a reputation for excessive sentimentality and self-indulgence.

Character and Controversies

Target of Ridicule:Shalikov's writings provoked numerous satirical attacks and epigrams. He became synonymous with overly saccharine and affected sentimentality.

Political Incompetence:Shalikov faced scrutiny over his lack of political acumen. His appointment as a censor was met with concerns due to his perceived intellectual shortcomings.

Literary Legacy

Sentimentalism's Demise:Despite his detractors, Shalikov's works possess literary merit. While overshadowed by the evolution of Russian literature, his writings offer insights into the excesses of sentimentalism.

Exceptional Sensitivity:Influenced by his Eastern heritage, Shalikov explored themes of heightened sensitivity and sensuousness. However, his personal life was marked by irritability and lack of self-discipline.

Historical Contributions:Shalikov's historical account of the French invasion of Moscow in 1812 remains a valuable contribution to the field. He also gained recognition as a translator of works by Genlis and Chateaubriand.