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Vasilij RubanRussian writer
Date of Birth: 25.03.1742
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Literary Career
- Service and Literary Activities
- Poetic Works
- Nadpisi (Epigraphs)
- Journalism and Other Publications
- "Ni To Ni Se" ("Neither This nor That")
- Other Journals and Publications
- Historical and Geographical Works
- - "Geography of Little Russia" (1777)
- - "Description of the Imperial Capital City of Moscow" (1782)
- - "Curious Calendars" (1775-80)
Vasily Grigorievich Ruban: A Literary Figure of the Russian Enlightenment
Early Life and Education
Vasily Grigorievich Ruban (1742-95) was a Russian writer and poet who lived during the Enlightenment era. Born in 1742, he initially studied at the Kiev Theological Academy and later attended the Moscow Slavic-Latin Academy, the University Gymnasium, and Moscow University.
Literary Career
Translations and Early PublicationsIn 1761, Ruban debuted as a writer with his translation of "Papiry, Roman Offspring, Intelligent Fictions, and Silence" from Latin, published in the journal "Useful Entertainment."
Service and Literary Activities
Ruban served as a translator of the Turkish language at the College of Foreign Affairs. While stationed in Zaporozhia to issue passports to Russians traveling to Crimea, he also worked as a secretary to Prince Potemkin. From 1778, he held the position of Acting Director of the Novorossiysk Schools. In 1784, he transferred to the Military College.
Poetic Works
Ruban's poetic output included laudatory hymns that often lacked genuine emotion and were dominated by rhetoric. In his ode on Empress Catherine's smallpox inoculation, he compared her to the serpent Moses raised on a tree to save the people.
Nadpisi (Epigraphs)
Ruban gained particular renown for his poetic nadpisi (epigraphs) celebrating Russian victories over the Turks. Some of these were published under the title "Composed and Translated Nadpisi of Russian Victory over the Turks and Other Memorable Events." These epigraphs exhibited little originality and largely glorified the patronage of Ruban's benefactors.
Journalism and Other Publications
Journalistic CollaborationsFrom 1764 onwards, Ruban contributed to various journals, including "Good Intentions," "Parnassian Quibbler," "Drone," and "Painter," translating works from French and German and publishing original poems.
"Ni To Ni Se" ("Neither This nor That")
In 1769, Ruban launched his own weekly journal, "Ni To Ni Se," aiming to "serve the public." The journal contained a mix of articles, including translations and original works, but lacked a unifying theme or significant satirical content. It ceased publication after five months but was reissued in 1771.
Other Journals and Publications
Ruban also edited the journal "Industrious Ant" in 1771 and published "Antiquity and Novelty," an almanac-like work featuring articles and materials on Russian history.
Historical and Geographical Works
Ruban's historical and geographical works included:- "Campaign of Boyar and Grand Regiment Commander A.S. Shein to Azov" (1773)
- "Statute of Military, Artillery, and Other Affairs, Compiled in 1607 and 1621 by Onisim Mikhailov" (1777-81)
- "Traveler Vasily Grigorovich Barsky's Journey to Holy Places, etc." (1778, 1785)
- "Geography of Little Russia" (1777)
- "Brief Chronicle of Little Russia from 1506 to 1776" (1777)- "Outline of the Praiseworthy Reign of Peter the Great" (1778)
Reference Works
Ruban compiled several reference works, including:
- "Historical, Geographical, and Topographical Description of St. Petersburg from Its Foundation in 1703 to 1751" (1779)
- "Description of the Imperial Capital City of Moscow" (1782)
- "Declaration of the Provinces, Governorships, and Regions of the Entire Russian Empire" (1785)
- "Curious Calendars" (1775-80)
- "Foreign and Russian Roadway Guide" (1777)Genealogical Works
Ruban also produced genealogical works, such as:
- "Historical Table of Ruling Grand Dukes, Tsars, and Emperors of All Russia" (1782)
- "Russian Tsarist Monument, Containing a Brief Description of the Lives of Russian Sovereigns" (1783, 6 editions)
- "Brief Genealogical Table of Ruling Grand Dukes, Emperors, and Empresses of All Russia" (1786)
