Almost everyone knows the Russian writer, classic Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin (1870-1938). During his lifetime, he wrote such interesting works that he would like to read them again and again, and advise them to his relatives to read them. The most significant works of Kuprin include Pit, Pomegranate Bracelet (this work is included in the list of literature compulsory for reading in schools), White Poodle, etc. His stories about animals, about the life of the Russian people, about culture.
We bring to your attention a list of the 10 most interesting facts from Kuprin's life: the biography and work of the writer, friends and the personal life of a talented person.
10. Grew up without a father
Kuprin can be called the most sentimental towards women. The boy grew up without a father who died of cholera. At that time, the future writer was only one year old. In childhood, Kuprin had seen enough of the wrong side of female life. His mother brought up Lyubov Kulunchakova, who was forced to move to Moscow due to material problems in the Widow House with a boy.
Alexander Kuprin grew up among female gossip, intrigue, contempt for the poor, but, despite this, he became a singer of pure love - this is called platonic.
9. Stressed Tatar origin
On the maternal side, the Russian writer Alexander Kuprin came from the Tatar prince Kulunchak Enikeev. But Tatar blood in the writer was at best a quarter: his father was Russian, and maternal marriages were mixed.
In 1901, when Kuprin gained fame and began to publish in magazines in St. Petersburg, the writer came up with a myth about himself and his ancestors - about the relationship with Tamerlan and his mother - the "Tatar princess" ... Ivan Bunin, with whom they were friends, recalled: “How much Tatar is in it!” Kuprin emphasized his Tatar origin, which he was very proud of.
8. Possessed an ultra-thin sense of smell
It happens that one person contains a lot of interesting and unique qualities. This can be said about Alexander Kuprin.
Once a French perfumer heard from the writer a clear layout of the components that were part of his new fragrance - it struck him, and the perfumer said: “You have such a rare gift! Are you just a writer ?! ”
The recognition of the components impressed not only the perfumer, but also his friends, who were also present at the time when Alexander Kuprin was listing the notes. His friend even called him "Russia's most sensitive nose».
7. I saw Lenin
In 1918, Alexander Kuprin met with Lenin. At the meeting, the writer turned to him for help in publishing a newspaper for the village. 20 years after this event, Kuprin recalled: “I always believed this ingenious man, the conversation with him made a big impression on me».
Lenin approved of Kuprin’s writing initiative, but he never took up the newspaper. Another leader prevented this - Lev Kamenev, chairman of the Moscow City Council. He cut off the writer's initiative, as they say, in the bud.
Interesting fact: Alexander Kuprin, in his short essay, said that Lenin was red-haired, not brown-haired, as he is portrayed.
6. Changed over twenty professions
Who just did not work Kuprin! He probably changed over twenty professions, but he was motivated not by financial considerations, but by interest. He was interested in getting a new experience, and he coped with it perfectly. In 1894, having retired (he served in the army, while simultaneously engaged in literary activities), he began working as a reporter, later as a turner, morgue nurse, sailor, dentist, and even sold toilets and tried himself as a thief.
He often told his friends: "I would like to become a horse, fish or woman for a few days". Here is such an unusual and interesting writer Alexander Kuprin.
5. He took part in the uprising of sailors
In Sevastopol, rallies continued continuously (1905), demonstrations were held on the streets of cities, and fire was not complete. Alexander Kuprin was at the center of the tragic events - every day he watched what was happening, coming to Sevastopol, talking with sailors and soldiers.
Kuprin witnessed the Sevastopol uprising - he saw how the sailors who had jumped from a burning cruiser were not allowed to escape, having shot them in the water. He was moved by what was happening, and he began to think how he could help those who escaped from the flames of Ochakov. He decided to reconcile with the fate of the sailors and sheltered ten people. It was very dangerous - the police were looking for survivors, but this did not stop Kuprin.
4. The first wife "urged" in work
The first time Alexander Kuprin married when he was 32 years old. His wife was Maria Davydova. She was bright, witty, noisy. Kuprin passionately loved his wife and listened to her opinion. Since Kuprin was a restless and even unorganized person, his wife had to fight using tough methods.
Because of his spree, Alexander Kuprin constantly postponed writing the “Duel”, wrote it slowly, so Maria escorted him out of the house, saying that he could see her and his daughter only when he showed new manuscripts.
In 1905, the story was published, the work of Kuprin brought world fame, but the relationship of the spouses soon ended - they peacefully parted, becoming strangers to each other.
3. The “Pomegranate Bracelet” is based on the story that the writer heard in childhood
One of the best works about love “Garnet Bracelet” was written from a real story. When viewing family albums, Kuprin heard the story that formed the basis of the novel.
The telegraph official was in love with the governor's wife, but his feelings were not mutual. And once he gave her a chain - according to the woman’s son, this incident can even be called anecdotal, but Kuprin turned it into a tragic love story. The chain turned into a garnet bracelet when Alexander Kuprin took up a pen and began to write ...
Initially, he was going to write a story, but it so happened that the story turned into a story that brought the writer great success. Everyone should read the “Garnet Bracelet” - this is a real source of wisdom, life and moral purity.
2. Teachers considered Chekhov and Tolstoy
Russian classic Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin was friends with Ivan Bunin, Anton Chekhov and Maxim Gorky. Having retired (since 1890 he was a lieutenant in the infantry regiment), the writer traveled extensively in Russia, just at that time he met his literary teachers - Gorky, Chekhov, Bunin.
The Duel came out with a dedication to Maxim Gorky, with whom Alexander Kuprin was close at that time, and, despite criticism, the story earned the praise of Leo Tolstoy, a writer whom he considered his teacher.
1. Kuprin - a real romantic
Alexander Kuprin has always been a romantic. He lived a life full of curiosities, and never denied himself the opportunity to do what he considered right. Kuprin, like a true romantic, loved sentimental stories, which was reflected in his work. But at the same time, the light form in which he put on his works, carried a huge meaning ...
The writer never cheated on himself, remaining a romantic until the end of his days. We can catch this feeling in his magnificent works! Maybe start right now?