# Boris Pasternak

> Russian writer (1890–1960)

**Wikidata**: [Q41223](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41223)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Pasternak)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/boris-pasternak

## Summary
Boris Pasternak was a Russian writer, poet, and novelist who lived from 1890 to 1960. He is best known for his historical novel *Doctor Zhivago* and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. His diverse career also included work as a translator, playwright, and pianist.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 10, 1890 (also recorded as January 29, 1890)
- **Died:** May 30, 1960
- **Nationality:** Russian Empire; Soviet Union
- **Education:**
    - Moscow State University, Faculty of Law
    - University of Marburg
    - Lomonosov Moscow State University
    - Imperial Moscow University
- **Known for:** *Doctor Zhivago* (1957), poetry, and translations.
- **Occupations:** Writer, poet, translator, novelist, playwright, pianist, prose writer, screenwriter.
- **Field(s):** Prose

## Contributions
Boris Pasternak's most significant literary contribution is the historical novel *Doctor Zhivago*, which was published in 1957. His body of work spans multiple genres, including poetry, prose, and plays. As a translator, he produced written translations of text from one language to another. His creative output began around 1911 and continued until 1959.

## FAQs
**What awards did Boris Pasternak receive?**
Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He also received the Medal "For the Defence of Moscow" and the Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945."

**What is Boris Pasternak's most famous work?**
His most notable work is *Doctor Zhivago*, a historical novel published in 1957.

**What was Boris Pasternak's profession?**
He was a multifaceted artist and writer, working as a poet, novelist, playwright, screenwriter, translator, and pianist.

**Where did Boris Pasternak study?**
He studied at the University of Marburg, the Moscow State University Faculty of Law, the Lomonosov Moscow State University, and the Imperial Moscow University.

## Why They Matter
Boris Pasternak is a seminal figure in Russian literature, recognized globally for his artistic integrity and literary output during a tumultuous historical period. His work *Doctor Zhivago* remains a critical examination of Russian history, influencing perceptions of the era. His recognition with the Nobel Prize in Literature underscores his significant impact on world literature. Additionally, the asteroid **3508 Pasternak** is named in his honor, cementing his legacy beyond the literary world.

## Notable For
- Winning the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- Authoring the 1957 novel *Doctor Zhivago*.
- Receiving the Medal "For the Defence of Moscow".
- Receiving the Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945".
- Having an asteroid, **3508 Pasternak**, named after him.
- A career spanning nearly five decades (1911–1959).

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Boris Leonidovich Pasternak was born on February 10, 1890 (alternatively recorded as January 29, 1890). He was a citizen of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. His educational background includes studies at several prestigious institutions. He attended the **Imperial Moscow University**, the first of the twelve Imperial universities of the Russian Empire located in Moscow. He also studied at the **Moscow State University, Faculty of Law**. Furthering his education abroad, he attended the **University of Marburg**, a German university. He was also affiliated with **Lomonosov Moscow State University**, a public research university in Moscow.

### Literary Career
Pasternak's professional life was defined by a wide range of literary and artistic roles. He is identified as a **writer**, **poet**, **novelist**, **playwright**, **screenwriter**, and **prose writer**. Additionally, he worked as a **translator**, translating written text from one language to another. His work period began in **1911** and extended through to **1959**. His primary field of work was **prose**.

### Major Works
The defining work of his career is **Doctor Zhivago**, a historical novel published in 1945 (inception date) and 1957. This work stands as his most notable contribution to literature.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his life, Pasternak received significant recognition:
- **Nobel Prize in Literature**: One of five prizes established by Alfred Nobel (inception 1901).
- **Medal "For the Defence of Moscow"**: A military decoration of the Soviet Union (inception May 1, 1944).
- **Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"**: A World War II civilian labour award of the Soviet Union (inception June 6, 1945).

### Legacy
Boris Pasternak died on May 30, 1960. His legacy includes a dedicated namesake in astronomy: the asteroid **3508 Pasternak**. His personal archives and identity are cataloged under numerous international identifiers, including VIAF ID 68933968 and Library of Congress Authority ID n79018438. He is recorded in the Great Russian Encyclopedia and the Encyclopædia Britannica.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. [HOLLIS](https://id.lib.harvard.edu/alma/99158327028403941/catalog)
6. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1958/)
7. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. MusicBrainz
12. SNAC
13. Internet Broadway Database
14. Find a Grave
15. International Music Score Library Project
16. Discogs
17. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
18. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
19. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
20. Munzinger Personen
21. Russian literature of the 20th century. Volume 3, 2005
22. Great Russian Encyclopedia
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/sound/pasternak.html)
25. nobelprize.org
26. CONOR.SI
27. [ЦГА Москвы, ОХД до 1917, ф. 2372, оп. 1, д. 37, л. 15 (запись № 47). 1917](https://cgamos.ru/inye-konfessii/iudaizm/2372-1-37/)
28. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
29. Quora
30. Boris Leonidovich Pasternak (1890-1960) | Open Library. Open Library
31. Enciclopedia Treccani
32. LIBRIS. 2018
33. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
34. Catalogo of the National Library of India