Valery Yakovlevich
Bryusov
1873-1924
Valery Yakovlevich Bryusov was a poet, novelist, critic, translator, and one of the organizers of the Symbolist movement. He was born in Milyutinsky Lane, Moscow. He was the grandson of Kuzma Andreevich Bryusov, a serf from the Kostroma governorate who, after his emancipation, opened a jam trade in Moscow. His parents were Yakov Kuzmich Bryusov and Matryona Alexandrovna Bakulina. Bryusov received his primary education at Kreiman and Polivanov’s Moscow gymnasium in Prechistenka Street, and then studied at Moscow University’s Faculty of History and Philology, graduating in 1899. In 1894-1895, he published three collections of poems titled “Russian Symbolists,” which included mostly his own work. Among his notable poetry collections are “The City and the World” and “The Wreath,” while his prose works include “The Fiery Angel” and “The Altar of Victory.” From 1900-1916, Bryusov served as one of the leaders of the Scorpion publishing house. In 1904-1909, he headed the leading symbolist magazine in Moscow, Libra. During World War I, he spent several months as a war correspondent at the front. As the leader of Russian symbolism, Bryusov was active in organizing activities. After the 1917 Revolution, he supported the Bolsheviks and participated in cultural and educational activities. Bryusov worked in various positions, including the Department of Scientific Libraries, the Literary Department of the People’s Commissariat of Education, the State Publishing House, the Book Chamber, and taught at Moscow University. He also founded the Literary and Art Institute in 1921. Bryusov authored more than 80 books, including translations of works by Mallarme, Byron, Wilde, Dante, Edgar Poe, Virgil, and Goethe, among others, as well as works by Finnish and Latvian writers. In 1916, he completed a large-scale translation of Armenian poetry and compiled the collection “Poetry of Armenia”. He also wrote a study on the historical destinies of the Armenian people, titled “Chronicle”, which earned him the title of National Poet of Armenia. Bryusov was interested in science fiction and wrote several works in this genre. He conducted a number of studies and became a member of the Bolshevik Party. After joining the party, he actively participated in the development of Soviet culture and strived to occupy key positions in proletarian literature. In memory of Bryusov, a memorial plaque was erected in Moscow.
Address: Moscow, Mira ave., 30, building 1
