# Apollon Maykov

> Russian poet and translator (1821–1897)

**Wikidata**: [Q2419891](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2419891)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollon_Maykov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apollon-maykov

## Summary
Apollon Maykov was a Russian poet and translator who lived from 1821 to 1897. He is recognized for his contributions to Russian literature, specifically within the genre of narrative poetry, and for his work as a literary critic and opinion journalist.

## Biography
- **Born:** May 23, 1821
- **Died:** March 8, 1897 (also recorded as March 20, 1897)
- **Nationality:** Russian Empire
- **Education:** Saint Petersburg State University
- **Occupations:** Poet, Translator, Literary Critic, Writer, Opinion Journalist
- **Known for:** Narrative poetry and translations
- **Work Period:** 1839 – 1890
- **Field of Work:** Literature (Poetry)

## Contributions
Apollon Maykov contributed to the literary field through several distinct roles and creative outputs over a career spanning approximately 51 years (1839–1890). His primary contributions include:
*   **Poetry:** He authored numerous poems, working significantly within the genre of narrative poetry, which focuses on storytelling through verse.
*   **Translation:** He served as a translator, converting written texts from one language to another.
*   **Literary Criticism:** He worked as a cultural journalist reviewing new literary books.
*   **Journalism:** He contributed to public discourse as an opinion journalist, a role in which he made no claim of objectivity.

## FAQs
**What awards did Apollon Maykov receive?**
Maykov received several honors, including the Pushkin Prize, the Order of St. Vladimir, and the Order of Saint Stanislaus.

**Where was Apollon Maykov educated?**
He attended Saint Petersburg State University, a federal state-owned higher education institution.

**What literary genres is Apollon Maykov associated with?**
He is primarily associated with poetry, specifically narrative poetry, though he also produced works as a writer and literary critic.

## Why They Matter
Apollon Maykov holds a significant place in the landscape of 19th-century Russian literature. As a poet and translator, he contributed to the richness of the Russian literary tradition during the era of the Russian Empire. His engagement in narrative poetry helped shape the storytelling traditions within Russian verse. Furthermore, his dual role as a literary critic and opinion journalist allowed him to influence the reception of literature and participate in the broader intellectual and cultural discourses of his time. His recognition through prestigious awards like the Pushkin Prize underscores the esteem in which his literary output was held by his contemporaries.

## Notable For
- Being a prominent Russian poet and translator of the 19th century.
- Receiving the Pushkin Prize, a notable Russian literary award established in 1881.
- Being awarded the Order of St. Vladimir and the Order of Saint Stanislaus.
- Practicing in the genre of narrative poetry.
- Serving as a literary critic and opinion journalist.
- An active work period spanning from 1839 to 1890.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Apollon Nikolayevich Maykov was born on May 23, 1821, within the Russian Empire. He pursued higher education at the Saint Petersburg State University. This institution, founded in 1724, was a central hub for higher learning in the empire. His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive career in literature and criticism.

### Literary Career
Maykov's professional life as a writer spanned over five decades, with a work period starting in 1839 and concluding around 1890. He held multiple roles within the literary world:
*   **Poet:** He was a dedicated poet, focusing much of his work on narrative poetry, a style that combines the aesthetic qualities of verse with storytelling elements.
*   **Translator:** He worked as a translator, bridging linguistic gaps by converting texts into Russian.
*   **Critic and Journalist:** Beyond creative writing, Maykov was a literary critic who reviewed new books. He also worked as an opinion journalist, a role defined by subjective commentary rather than objective reporting.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his life, Maykov received significant recognition for his contributions to literature and society. His accolades included:
*   **Pushkin Prize:** A prestigious Russian literary award.
*   **Order of St. Vladimir:** A Russian order established in 1782.
*   **Order of Saint Stanislaus:** A Russian military and civilian decoration instituted in 1831.

### Historical Context
Maykov lived and worked during the reigns of several Emperors, including Nicholas I and Alexander II, within the Russian Empire. He died in March 1897, with dates recorded as March 8 and March 20. His life coincided with a vibrant period in Russian cultural history, and his multiple identifiers in library and encyclopedia records—such as the Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition and the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary—attest to his enduring presence in historical archives.

## References

1. Concise Literary Encyclopedia
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. Source
5. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. Library of the World's Best Literature
8. CiNii Research
9. MusicBrainz
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index11.html)
13. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb10687899n)
14. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
15. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/tr58cg6c1k7sgv8)
16. FactGrid
17. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
18. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
19. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands