Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev was a Russian novelist, short story writer, and playwright, whose work is emblematic of Russian Realism. Born into a noble family in Oryol, Russia, on November 9, 1818, Turgenev studied at the University of Moscow and the University of Saint Petersburg, followed by the University of Berlin. His literary career began with the publication of poems before he turned to prose, profoundly influenced by his observations of Russian society, his travels and his European sojourns. Turgenev's most notable contribution to literature is his series of novels and short stories that provide a nuanced analysis of the Russian gentry and peasantry, exemplified in 'Fathers and Sons,' which introduced the concept of 'nihilism' to the Western world. 'The Diary of a Superfluous Man' is among Turgenev's poignant works, exploring themes of existential despair and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe, all presented in a narrative that's simultaneously introspective and universally relatable. Often overshadowed by his contemporaries like Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, Turgenev's prose, nonetheless, offers a distinct and lyrical voice that has influenced generations of writers. He died on September 3, 1883, in Bougival, France, but his legacy continues, embodied in a body of work that reflects the depth and complexities of 19th-century Russian society.
