These fascinating programs tell the stories of Russia's greatest writers. These informative biographies present a revealing look into the events, people, and places that influenced the creation of the author?s major works,... more » and tell the story of the influence that Russia had on the history of western literature. Maxim Gorky, novelist, playwright and essayist was the founder of Socialist Realism. Although known principally as a writer, he was also a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution. Gorky was born on March 28, 1868 in Nizhny Novgorod, USSR into a peasant family. Self-educated, he worked for many years as a common laborer. Gorky's first short story was published in 1892, and his collection Sketches and Stories (1898) was an instantaneous success, making him famous throughout Russia. He had thrown off his earlier romanticism and wrote realistically, yet optimistically of the harshness of the life of the lower classes in Russia. Gorky was also the first Russian author to write knowledgeably and sympathetically about workers and their courageous battles against overwhelming odds. He supported the Russian Revolution of 1917 and was active in Soviet literary organizations. Gorky's best works are his autobiographical and literary memoirs. Reminiscences of Tolstoy, Chekhov, and Andreyev (1928) is hailed as his masterpiece. Struck with illness, he left Russia in 1922 and spent six years in Italy. Upon his return to the USSR, he was received with official honors. Gorky died on June 18, 1936.« less
Genres:Documentary Sub-Genres:Documentary Studio:Kultur Video Format:DVD - Black and White,Color DVD Release Date: 05/29/2007 Original Release Date: 05/29/2007 Release Year: 2007 Run Time: 0hr 30min Screens: Black and White,Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 1 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English