A.I. Kuprin - short biography

Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin is a famous writer, a classic of Russian literature, whose most significant works are “The Junkers”, “The Duel”, “The Pit”, “The Garnet Bracelet” and “The White Poodle”. Kuprin’s short stories about Russian life, emigration, and animals are also considered high art.

Alexander was born in the district town of Narovchat, which is located in the Penza region. But the writer spent his childhood and youth in Moscow. The fact is that Kuprin’s father, hereditary nobleman Ivan Ivanovich, died a year after his birth. Lyubov Alekseevna’s mother, who also came from a noble family, had to move to a large city, where it was much easier for her to give her son upbringing and education.

Already at the age of 6, Kuprin was sent to the Moscow Razumovsky boarding school, which operated on the principle of an orphanage. After 4 years, Alexander was transferred to the Second Moscow Cadet Corps, after which the young man entered the Alexander Military School. Kuprin graduated with the rank of second lieutenant and served for exactly 4 years in the Dnieper Infantry Regiment.

After his resignation, the 24-year-old young man leaves for Kyiv, then to Odessa, Sevastopol and other cities of the Russian Empire. The problem was that Alexander did not have any civilian specialty. Only after meeting him does he manage to find a permanent job: Kuprin goes to St. Petersburg and gets a job at the “Magazine for Everyone.” Later he would settle in Gatchina, where during the First World War he would maintain a military hospital at his own expense.

Alexander Kuprin enthusiastically accepted the abdication of the Tsar's power. After the arrival of the Bolsheviks, he even personally approached with a proposal to publish a special newspaper for the village “Zemlya”. But soon, seeing that the new government was imposing a dictatorship on the country, he became completely disillusioned with it.

It was Kuprin who came up with the derogatory name for the Soviet Union - “Sovdepiya”, which will become firmly established in the jargon. During the Civil War, he volunteered to join the White Army, and after a major defeat he went abroad - first to Finland and then to France.

By the early 30s, Kuprin was mired in debt and could not provide his family with even the most necessary things. In addition, the writer did not find anything better than to look for a way out of a difficult situation in a bottle. As a result, the only solution was to return to his homeland, which he personally supported in 1937.

Books

Alexander Kuprin began writing in his final years in the cadet corps, and his first attempts at writing were in the poetic genre. Unfortunately, the writer never published his poetry. And his first published story was “The Last Debut.” Later, his story “In the Dark” and a number of stories on military topics were published in magazines.

In general, Kuprin devotes a lot of space to the theme of the army, especially in his early works. Suffice it to recall his famous autobiographical novel “Junkers” and the story that preceded it “At the Turning Point”, also published as “Cadets”.

The dawn of Alexander Ivanovich as a writer came at the beginning of the 20th century. He published the story “The White Poodle,” which later became a classic of children’s literature, his memoirs about his trip to Odessa, “Gambrinus,” and, probably, his most popular work, the story “The Duel.” At the same time, such creations as “Liquid Sun”, “Garnet Bracelet”, and stories about animals were released.

Separately, it is necessary to say about one of the most scandalous works of Russian literature of that period - the story “The Pit” about the life and destinies of Russian prostitutes. The book was mercilessly criticized, paradoxically, for “excessive naturalism and realism.” The first edition of "The Pit" was withdrawn from publication as pornographic.

In exile, Alexander Kuprin wrote a lot, almost all of his works were popular with readers. In France, he created four major works - “The Dome of St. Isaac of Dalmatia”, “The Wheel of Time”, “Junker” and “Zhaneta”, as well as a large number of short stories, including the philosophical parable about beauty “The Blue Star”.

Personal life

The first wife of Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin was young Maria Davydova, the daughter of the famous cellist Karl Davydov. The marriage lasted only five years, but during this time the couple had a daughter, Lydia. The fate of this girl was tragic - she died shortly after giving birth to her son at the age of 21.

The writer married his second wife Elizaveta Moritsovna in 1909, although they had been living together for two years by that time. They had two daughters - Ksenia, who later became an actress and model, and Zinaida, who died at three years old from a complex form of pneumonia. The wife outlived Alexander Ivanovich by 4 years. She committed suicide during the siege of Leningrad, unable to withstand the constant bombing and endless hunger.

Since Kuprin’s only grandson, Alexei Egorov, died due to injuries received during World War II, the line of the famous writer was interrupted, and today his direct descendants do not exist.

Death

Alexander Kuprin returned to Russia with his health already in poor health. He was addicted to alcohol, plus the elderly man was quickly losing his sight. The writer hoped that he would be able to return to work in his homeland, but his health did not allow this.

A year later, while watching a military parade on Red Square, Alexander Ivanovich contracted pneumonia, which was also aggravated by esophageal cancer. On August 25, 1938, the famous writer’s heart stopped forever.

Kuprin’s grave is located on the Literary Bridge of the Volkovsky Cemetery, not far from the burial place of another Russian classic -.

Bibliography

• 1892 - “In the Dark”
• 1898 - “Olesya”
• 1900 - “At the Turning Point” (“Cadets”)
• 1905 - “Duel”
• 1907 - "Gambrinus"
• 1910 - “Garnet Bracelet”
• 1913 - “Liquid Sun”
• 1915 - “The Pit”
• 1928 - “Junkers”
• 1933 - “Zhaneta”

Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin and Russian literature of the early 20th century are inseparable. This happened because the writer, in his own works, covered contemporary life, discussed topics and sought answers to questions that are usually classified as eternal. All his work is based on life prototypes. Alexander Ivanovich drew plots from life, he only refracted this or that situation in an artistic way. According to generally accepted opinion, the work of this author belongs to the literary movement of realism, but there are pages that are written in the style of romanticism.

In 1870, a boy was born in one of the cities of the Penza province. They named him Alexander. Sasha's parents were poor nobles.

The boy's father served as a secretary in court, and his mother took care of the household. Fate decreed that after Alexander was one year old, his father died suddenly from illness.

After this sad event, the widow and children go to live in Moscow. Alexander's further life, one way or another, will be connected with Moscow.

Sasha studied at a cadet boarding school. Everything indicated that the boy’s fate would be connected with military affairs. But in reality it turned out completely wrong. The theme of the army became firmly entrenched in Kuprin’s literary work. Such works as “Army Ensign”, “Cadets”, “Duel”, “Junkers” are dedicated to military service. It is worth noting that the image of the main character of “The Duel” is autobiographical. The author admits that he created the image of the second lieutenant based on the experience of his own service.

The year 1894 was marked for the future prose writer by his resignation from military service. This happened thanks to his explosive nature. At this time, the future prose writer is looking for himself. He tries to write, and his first attempts are successful.

Some stories from his pen are published in magazines. This period until 1901 can be called a fruitful period of Kuprin’s literary creativity. The following works were written: “Olesya”, “The Lilac Bush”, “The Wonderful Doctor” and many others.

In Russia during this period of time, popular unrest was brewing due to opposition to capitalism. The young author reacts creatively to these processes.

The result was the story “Moloch”, where he turns to ancient Russian mythology. Under the guise of a mythological creature, he shows the soulless power of capitalism.

Important! When “Moloch” was published, its author began to closely communicate with the luminaries of Russian literature of that period. These are Bunin, Chekhov, Gorky.

In 1901, Alexander met his only one and tied the knot. After marriage, the couple moved to St. Petersburg. At this time, the writer was active both in the literary field and in public life. Written works: “White Poodle”, “Horse Thieves” and others.

In 1911, the family moved to Gatchina. At this time, a new theme appears in creativity - love. He writes, "Shulamith".

A. I. Kuprin “Garnet Bracelet”

In 1918, the couple emigrated to France. Abroad, the writer continues to work fruitfully. More than 20 stories have been written. Among them are “Blue Star”, “Yu-Yu” and others.

1937 became a landmark year in that Alexander Ivanovich was allowed to return to his homeland. The sick writer returns to Russia. He lives in his homeland for only a year. The ashes rest in the Volkovsky cemetery in Leningrad.

The most important thing you need to know about the life and work of this outstanding author is located in the chronological table:

The most important thing about Kuprin

A brief biography of the writer can be summarized in several main milestones of his life. Alexander Ivanovich comes from an impoverished noble family. It so happened that the boy was left without a father early on. For this reason, the formation of personality was quite difficult. After all, as you know, a boy needs a father. The mother, having moved to Moscow, decides to send her son to study at a military school. Therefore, the army structure quite strongly influenced Alexander Ivanovich and his worldview.

Main stages of life:

• Until 1894, that is, before retiring from military service, the aspiring author tried his hand at writing.
• After 1894, he realized that writing was his calling, so he devoted himself entirely to creativity. Makes acquaintance with Gorky, Bunin, Chekhov and other writers of that time.
• The revolution of 1917 confirmed Kuprin in the idea that perhaps they were right in their views on power. Therefore, the writer and his family cannot stay in Russia and are forced to emigrate. Alexander Ivanovich has been living in France for almost 20 years and working fruitfully. A year before his death, he was allowed to return to his homeland, which he did.
• In 1938, the writer’s heart stopped beating forever.

Useful video: the early period of creativity of A. I. Kuprin

Biography for children

Children become acquainted with the name Kuprin while studying in elementary school. Below is biographical information about the writer that students need.

It is important for children of primary school age to know that Alexander Ivanovich turned to the topic of children and childhood for a reason. He writes on this topic simply and naturally. In this series he creates a large number of stories about animals. In general, in works of this orientation, Kuprin expresses a humane attitude towards all living things.

In stories whose heroes are children, the theme of orphanhood is acutely expressed. Perhaps this is due to the fact that their author himself was left without a father early on. But it is worth noting that he shows orphanhood as a social problem. Works about children and for children include “The Wonderful Doctor”, “Yu-Yu”, “Taper”, “Elephant”, “White Poodle” and many others.

Important! Undoubtedly, the contribution of this outstanding writer to the development and formation of children's literature is extremely great.

A. I. Kuprin in Gatchina

Kuprin's last years

Kuprin had many difficulties in his childhood, and there were no less problems in the last years of his life. In 1937 he was allowed to return to the Soviet Union. He was greeted solemnly. Among those greeting the famous prose writer were many famous poets and writers of that time. In addition to these people, there were a lot of fans of Alexander Ivanovich’s work.

By this time, Kuprin was diagnosed with cancer. This disease greatly undermined the resources of the writer’s body. Returning to his homeland, the prose writer hoped that staying in his native land would only benefit him. Unfortunately, the writer's hopes were not destined to come true. A year later, the talented realist passed away.

last years of life

Kuprin in videos

In the modern world of informatization, a lot of biographical information about creative people has been digitized. The TV channel “My Joy” broadcasts a series of programs “My Live Journal”. In this series there is a program about the life and work of Alexander Kuprin.

On the TV channel “Russia. Culture" broadcasts a series of lectures about writers. The duration of the video is 25 minutes. Moreover, lectures about Alexander Ivanovich also form a cycle. There are those that tell about childhood and adolescence and the period of emigration. Their duration is approximately the same.

There are collections of videos about Kuprin on the Internet. Even an entire virtual page is dedicated to the famous Russian writer. This page also contains links to audiobooks. Reader reviews are posted at the very end.

Homecoming

Wikipedia about Kuprin

The electronic encyclopedia Wikipedia contains a voluminous information article about Alexander Ivanovich. It tells in detail about the life path of the prose writer. Detailed descriptions of his main works are given. The information concerning the writer’s family is covered quite fully. This text is accompanied by personal photographs of Kuprin.

After the basic information, the author's bibliography is presented, with electronic links to almost all books. Anyone who is truly interested in his work can read what interests them. There are also links to videos with filmed works of Alexander Ivanovich. At the end of the article, memorable places associated with the name of Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin are listed, many are illustrated with photographs.

Useful video: biography of A.I. Kuprina

Conclusion

70 years have passed since Kuprin's death. This is a fairly long time period. But, despite this, the popularity of Alexander Ivanovich’s works does not decrease. This is due to the fact that they contain things that are understandable to everyone. The works of Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin should be read by everyone who wants to better understand the nature of relationships and the motives that drive different people. They are a kind of encyclopedia of moral qualities and deep experiences of any person.

In contact with

Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin is a famous Russian writer. His works, woven from real life stories, are filled with “fatal” passions and exciting emotions. On the pages of his books, heroes and villains come to life, from privates to generals. And all this against the backdrop of unfading optimism and piercing love for life, which the writer Kuprin gives to his readers.

Biography

He was born in 1870 in the city of Narovchat into the family of an official. A year after the boy’s birth, the father dies and the mother moves to Moscow. The future writer spent his childhood here. At the age of six he was sent to the Razumovsky boarding school, and upon graduation in 1880 - to the Cadet Corps. At the age of 18, after completing his studies, Alexander Kuprin, whose biography is inextricably linked with military affairs, entered the Alexander Junker School. Here he wrote his first work, “The Last Debut,” which was published in 1889.

Creative path

After graduating from college, Kuprin enlists in an infantry regiment. Here he spends 4 years. The life of an officer provides a wealth of material for him. During this time, his stories “In the Dark,” “Overnight,” “On a Moonlit Night” and others were published. In 1894, after his resignation, Kuprin, whose biography begins from scratch, moves to Kyiv. The writer tries various professions, gaining precious life experience, as well as ideas for his future works. In subsequent years, he traveled a lot around the country. The result of his wanderings are the famous stories “Moloch”, “Olesya”, as well as the stories “Werewolf” and “Wilderness”.

In 1901, the writer Kuprin began a new stage in his life. His biography continues in St. Petersburg, where he marries M. Davydova. Here his daughter Lydia and new masterpieces are born: the story “The Duel”, as well as the stories “White Poodle”, “Swamp”, “River of Life” and others. In 1907, the prose writer married again and acquired a second daughter, Ksenia. This period is the heyday of the author’s work. He writes the famous stories “The Garnet Bracelet” and “Shulamith.” In his works of this period, Kuprin, whose biography unfolds against the backdrop of two revolutions, shows his fear for the fate of the entire Russian people.

Emigration

In 1919, the writer emigrated to Paris. Here he spends 17 years of his life. This stage of the creative path is the most unfruitful in the life of a prose writer. Homesickness, as well as a constant lack of funds, forced him to return home in 1937. But creative plans were not destined to come true. Kuprin, whose biography has always been connected with Russia, writes the essay “Native Moscow.” The disease progresses, and in August 1938 the writer dies of cancer in Leningrad.

Works

Among the most famous works of the writer are the stories “Moloch”, “Duel”, “The Pit”, the stories “Olesya”, “Garnet Bracelet”, “Gambrinus”. Kuprin's work touches on various aspects of human life. He writes about pure love and prostitution, about heroes and the decaying atmosphere of army life. There is only one thing missing from these works - something that can leave the reader indifferent.

Kuprin Alexander Ivanovich is one of the most prominent figures in Russian literature of the 1st half of the 20th century. He is the author of such famous works as “Olesya”, “Garnet Bracelet”, “Moloch”, “Duel”, “Junkers”, “Cadets”, etc. Alexander Ivanovich had an unusual, worthy life. Fate was sometimes harsh to him. Both Alexander Kuprin’s childhood and adult years were marked by instability in various areas of life. He had to fight alone for financial independence, fame, recognition and the right to be called a writer. Kuprin went through many hardships. His childhood and youth were especially difficult. We will talk about all this in detail.

The origin of the future writer

Kuprin Alexander Ivanovich was born in 1870. His hometown is Narovchat. Today it is located in the House where Kuprin was born, which is currently a museum (its photo is presented below). Kuprin's parents were not wealthy. Ivan Ivanovich, the father of the future writer, belonged to a family of impoverished nobles. He served as a minor official and drank often. When Alexander was only in his second year, Ivan Ivanovich Kuprin died of cholera. The childhood of the future writer thus passed without a father. His only support was his mother, which is worth talking about separately.

Mother of Alexander Kuprin

Lyubov Alekseevna Kuprina (nee Kulunchakova), the boy’s mother, was forced to settle in the Widow’s House in Moscow. It is from here that the first memories flow that Ivan Kuprin shared with us. His childhood is largely connected with the image of his mother. She played the role of a supreme being in the boy’s life and was the whole world for the future writer. Alexander Ivanovich recalled that this woman was strong-willed, strong, strict, similar to an eastern princess (the Kulunchaks belonged to an old family of Tatar princes). Even in the squalid surroundings of the Widow's House, she remained like that. During the day, Lyubov Alekseevna was strict, but in the evening she turned into a mysterious sorceress and told her son fairy tales, which she rewrote in her own way. Kuprin listened to these interesting stories with pleasure. His childhood, which was very harsh, was brightened up by tales of distant lands and unknown creatures. While still being Ivanovich was faced with a sad reality. However, difficulties did not prevent such a talented person as Kuprin from realizing himself as a writer.

Childhood spent in the Widow's House

Alexander Kuprin's childhood was spent far from the comfort of noble estates, dinner parties, his father's libraries, where he could sneak quietly at night, Christmas gifts, which he so delightfully looked for under the tree at dawn. But he knew well the drabness of orphans’ rooms, the meager gifts given out on holidays, the smell of government clothes and slaps from teachers, which they did not skimp on. Of course, his early childhood left an imprint on his personality; his subsequent years were marked by new difficulties. We should briefly talk about them.

Kuprin's military drill childhood

For children of his position there were not many options for their future fate. One of them is a military career. Lyubov Alekseevna, taking care of her child, decided to make her son a military man. Alexander Ivanovich soon had to part with his mother. A dull military drill period began in his life, which continued Kuprin’s childhood. His biography from this time is marked by the fact that he spent several years in government institutions in Moscow. First there was the Razumovsky orphanage, after a while - the Moscow Cadet Corps, and then the Alexander Military School. Kuprin hated each of these temporary shelters in his own way. The future writer was equally irritated by the stupidity of his superiors, the institutional environment, spoiled peers, the narrow-mindedness of educators and teachers, the “cult of the fist,” the same uniform for everyone and public flogging.

This was how difficult Kuprin’s childhood was. It is important for children to have a loved one, and in this sense, Alexander Ivanovich was lucky - he was supported by a loving mother. She died in 1910.

Kuprin goes to Kyiv

Alexander Kuprin, after graduating from college, spent another 4 years in military service. He retired at the first opportunity (in 1894). Lieutenant Kuprin took off his military uniform forever. He decided to move to Kyiv.

The big city became a real test for the future writer. Kuprin Alexander Ivanovich spent his entire life in government institutions, so he was not adapted to independent life. On this occasion, he later ironized that in Kyiv it was like a “Smolyanka institute” who was taken into the wilds of the forests at night and left without a compass, food and clothing. It was not easy for such a great writer as Alexander Kuprin at this time. Interesting facts about him during his stay in Kyiv are also connected with what Alexander had to do in order to earn his living.

How Kuprin made a living

In order to survive, Alexander took on almost any business. In a short time he tried himself as a shag seller, a construction foreman, a carpenter, an office worker, a factory worker, a blacksmith's assistant, and a psalm-reader. At one time, Alexander Ivanovich even seriously thought about entering a monastery. Kuprin’s difficult childhood, briefly described above, probably forever left a mark on the soul of the future writer, who had to face harsh reality from a young age. Therefore, his desire to retire to a monastery is understandable. However, Alexander Ivanovich was destined for a different fate. He soon found himself in the literary field.

Serving as a reporter in Kyiv newspapers became an important literary and life experience. Alexander Ivanovich wrote about everything - about politics, murders, social problems. He also had to fill out entertainment columns and write cheap, melodramatic stories, which, by the way, enjoyed considerable success among the unsophisticated reader.

First serious works

Little by little, serious works began to emerge from Kuprin’s pen. The story "Inquiry" (another title is "From the Distant Past") was published in 1894. Then the collection “Kyiv Types” appeared, in which Alexander Kuprin included his essays. His work from this period is marked by many other works. After some time, a collection of stories called "Miniatures" was published. The story "Moloch", published in 1996, made a name for the aspiring writer. His fame was strengthened by the subsequent works “Olesya” and “Cadets”.

Moving to St. Petersburg

In this city, a new, vibrant life began for Alexander Ivanovich with many meetings, acquaintances, revelry and creative achievements. Contemporaries recalled that Kuprin loved to have a good walk. In particular, Andrei Sedykh, a Russian writer, noted that in his youth he lived wildly, was often drunk and at that time became scary. Alexander Ivanovich could do reckless things and sometimes even cruel ones. And Nadezhda Teffi, a writer, recalls that he was a very complex person, by no means the kind-hearted and simpleton that he might seem at first glance.

Kuprin explained that creative activity took a lot of energy and strength from him. For every success, as well as for failure, I had to pay with my health, nerves, and my own soul. But evil tongues saw only unsightly tinsel, and then there were invariably rumors that Alexander Ivanovich was a reveler, a rowdy and a drunkard.

New works

No matter how Kuprin splashed out his ardor, he always returned to his desk after another drinking session. During the wild period of his life in St. Petersburg, Alexander Ivanovich wrote his now iconic story “The Duel.” His stories “Swamp”, “Shulamith”, “Staff Captain Rybnikov”, “River of Life”, “Gambrinus” belong to the same period. After some time, already in Odessa, he completed the “Garnet Bracelet” and also began creating the “Listrigons” cycle.

Personal life of Kuprin

In the capital, he met his first wife, Davydova Maria Karlovna. From her Kuprin had a daughter, Lydia. Maria Davydova gave the world a book called “Years of Youth.” After some time, their marriage broke up. Alexander Kuprin married 5 years later to Heinrich Elizaveta Moritsovna. He lived with this woman until his death. Kuprin has two daughters from his second marriage. The first is Zinaida, who died early from pneumonia. The second daughter, Ksenia, became a famous Soviet actress and model.

Moving to Gatchina

Kuprin, tired of the busy life in the capital, left St. Petersburg in 1911. He moved to Gatchina (a small town located 8 km from the capital). Here, in his “green” house, he settled with his family. In Gatchina, everything is conducive to creativity - the silence of a dacha town, a shady garden with poplars, a spacious terrace. This city today is closely connected with the name of Kuprin. There is a library and a street named after him, as well as a monument dedicated to him.

Emigration to Paris

However, sedate happiness came to an end in 1919. At first, Kuprin was mobilized into the army on the side of the whites, and a year later the whole family emigrated to Paris. Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin will return to his homeland only after 18 years, already at an advanced age.

At different times, the reasons for the writer’s emigration were interpreted differently. As Soviet biographers claimed, he was almost forcibly taken out by the White Guards and for many subsequent years, until his return, he languished in a foreign land. Ill-wishers sought to prick him, presenting him as a traitor who exchanged his homeland and talent for foreign benefits.

Return to homeland and death of the writer

If you believe numerous memoirs, letters, diaries, which became available to the public a little later, then Kuprin objectively did not accept the revolution and the established government. He called her familiarly "scoop."

When he returned home as a broken old man, he was driven through the streets to demonstrate the achievements of the USSR. Alexander Ivanovich said that the Bolsheviks are wonderful people. One thing is unclear - where they get so much money from.

Nevertheless, Kuprin did not regret returning to his homeland. For him, Paris was a beautiful city, but alien. Kuprin died on August 25, 1938. He died of esophageal cancer. The next day, a crowd of thousands surrounded the Writers' House in St. Petersburg. Both famous colleagues of Alexander Ivanovich and loyal fans of his work came. They all gathered to send Kuprin on his final journey.

The childhood of the writer A.I. Kuprin, unlike the youth of many other literary figures of that time, was very difficult. However, it was largely thanks to all these difficulties he experienced that he found himself in creativity. Kuprin, whose childhood and youth were spent in poverty, acquired both material well-being and fame. Today we get acquainted with his work back in our school years.