# Vladimir Arsenyev

> Russian and Soviet explorer, ethnographer and writer (1872-1930)

**Wikidata**: [Q318470](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318470)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Arsenyev)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vladimir-arsenyev

## Summary
Vladimir Arsenyev was a Russian and Soviet explorer, ethnographer, and writer (1872–1930) who documented the lives of indigenous peoples and contributed to the study of geography and anthropology. His most famous work, *Dersu Uzala*, remains a classic of travel literature and ethnography.

## Biography
- Born: August 29, 1872, in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire
- Nationality: Russian
- Education: Studied at the University of Saint Petersburg
- Known for: Writing *Dersu Uzala*, a seminal work on ethnography and exploration
- Employer(s): Russian Geographical Society, National Geographic Society, Royal Geographical Society
- Field(s): Exploration, ethnography, writing

## Contributions
- **Dersu Uzala (1922)**: A groundbreaking ethnographic novel based on Arsenyev’s experiences with the Evenki people in Siberia. The book became a classic of travel literature and influenced later works on anthropology and survival narratives.
- **Ethnographic Research**: Documented the lives of indigenous peoples, particularly the Evenki, contributing to the field of ethnography.
- **Exploration**: Conducted fieldwork in remote regions of Siberia, gathering firsthand accounts of indigenous cultures.
- **Awards**: Received the Medal for China Campaign (1901), Medal "In memory of the 300th anniversary of Romanov dynasty" (1913), and the Russo-Japanese War Medal.

## FAQs
**What is Vladimir Arsenyev known for?**
Vladimir Arsenyev is known for his ethnographic work, particularly his novel *Dersu Uzala*, which remains a seminal contribution to travel literature and anthropology.

**Where did Vladimir Arsenyev work?**
He was affiliated with the Russian Geographical Society, National Geographic Society, and the Royal Geographical Society.

**What awards did Vladimir Arsenyev receive?**
He received the Medal for China Campaign (1901), the Medal "In memory of the 300th anniversary of Romanov dynasty" (1913), and the Russo-Japanese War Medal.

**What was *Dersu Uzala* about?**
*Dersu Uzala* is an ethnographic novel based on Arsenyev’s experiences with the Evenki people in Siberia, documenting their survival and cultural practices.

**Where was Vladimir Arsenyev born?**
He was born in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire, on August 29, 1872.

## Why They Matter
Vladimir Arsenyev’s work in ethnography and exploration provided invaluable insights into the lives of indigenous peoples, particularly the Evenki. His novel *Dersu Uzala* became a foundational text in travel literature and influenced later works on anthropology and survival narratives. His contributions helped bridge the gap between scientific exploration and cultural understanding, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of geography and anthropology.

## Notable For
- Author of *Dersu Uzala*, a classic of ethnographic literature.
- Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
- Recipient of the Medal for China Campaign (1901).
- Recipient of the Medal "In memory of the 300th anniversary of Romanov dynasty" (1913).
- Recipient of the Russo-Japanese War Medal.
- Contributed to the study of indigenous Siberian cultures.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Vladimir Klavdievich Arsenyev was born on August 29, 1872, in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg, where he developed an early interest in exploration and ethnography.

### Career and Exploration
Arsenyev conducted extensive fieldwork in Siberia, documenting the lives of indigenous peoples, particularly the Evenki. His firsthand accounts and observations formed the basis for his most famous work, *Dersu Uzala*.

### *Dersu Uzala* and Ethnography
Published in 1922, *Dersu Uzala* is a novel based on Arsenyev’s experiences with the Evenki people. The book became a classic of travel literature and ethnography, offering a unique perspective on survival and cultural adaptation in the harsh Siberian wilderness.

### Awards and Recognition
Arsenyev received several awards and honors, including the Medal for China Campaign (1901), the Medal "In memory of the 300th anniversary of Romanov dynasty" (1913), and the Russo-Japanese War Medal. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

### Legacy and Influence
Vladimir Arsenyev’s work in ethnography and exploration left a lasting impact on the fields of geography and anthropology. His novel *Dersu Uzala* remains a foundational text in travel literature and has influenced later works on survival narratives and cultural studies. His contributions to the understanding of indigenous Siberian cultures continue to be studied and referenced in academic and literary circles.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. A mysterious expedition of V.K. Arseniev: from the history of dinosaur research in the Amur region
5. N.I. Vavilov and scientists of the Far East (“The people here are awful, but they know a lot...”)
6. Vladimir K. Arseniev, his fellow biologists and biological research
7. CiNii Research
8. Writers of St. Petersburg. XX century
9. ProDetLit
10. Historical Encyclopedia of Siberia
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Russian literature of the 20th century. Volume 1, 2005
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. Czech National Authority Database
16. LIBRIS. 2016