# Yury Olesha

> Russian writer (1899-1960)

**Wikidata**: [Q380000](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380000)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yury_Olesha)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yury-olesha

## Summary
Yury Olesha was a Russian writer, poet, playwright, and screenwriter known for his contributions to 20th-century Russian literature. His most notable work, *Three Fat Men*, is a satirical fairy tale published in 1924, which remains influential in Russian literary circles.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 19, 1899 (Gregorian) / March 3, 1899 (Julian)
- **Nationality:** Russian (Russian Empire, later Soviet Union)
- **Education:** Richelieu Lyceum (Ukraine)
- **Known for:** Writing *Three Fat Men* and other works in prose, satire, and narrative poetry
- **Field(s):** Literature (novels, plays, screenwriting, poetry)

## Contributions
Yury Olesha authored *Three Fat Men* (1924), a satirical fairy tale that critiques societal structures through allegory. His works span multiple genres, including prose, satire, and narrative poetry. He also contributed to opinion journalism and screenwriting, though specific titles beyond *Three Fat Men* are not detailed in the provided sources.

## FAQs
**What is Yury Olesha best known for?**
Yury Olesha is best known for his 1924 fairy tale *Three Fat Men*, a satirical work that blends fantasy with social critique.

**Where was Yury Olesha educated?**
He attended the Richelieu Lyceum in Ukraine, an institution founded in 1817.

**What genres did Yury Olesha write in?**
Olesha worked across multiple literary forms, including prose, satire, narrative poetry, and screenwriting.

**Was Yury Olesha involved in politics?**
While his works often carried social commentary, the provided sources do not detail direct political involvement.

## Why They Matter
Olesha’s *Three Fat Men* is a landmark in Russian satirical literature, influencing later writers and artists. His ability to merge fairy-tale elements with sharp societal critique made his work enduringly relevant, particularly in discussions of power and oppression.

## Notable For
- Authoring *Three Fat Men* (1924), a seminal satirical fairy tale.
- Contributions to Russian prose, poetry, and screenwriting.
- Education at the historic Richelieu Lyceum.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Yury Karlovich Olesha was born on **February 19, 1899** (Gregorian calendar) or **March 3, 1899** (Julian calendar) in the Russian Empire. He attended the **Richelieu Lyceum** in Ukraine, an institution established in 1817, which shaped his intellectual foundation.

### Literary Career
Olesha’s most celebrated work, *Three Fat Men* (1924), is a satirical fairy tale that critiques authoritarianism through allegory. The story remains a key text in Russian literature, studied for its blend of fantasy and social commentary. Beyond this, Olesha contributed to **prose**, **satire**, **narrative poetry**, and **screenwriting**, though specific titles are not listed in the sources.

### Genres and Themes
His writing spanned multiple forms:
- **Prose**: Ordinary grammatical structures with natural speech flow.
- **Satire**: Parodic humor targeting societal norms.
- **Narrative Poetry**: Storytelling through verse.
- **Fairy Tales**: Folkloric elements with magical realism.

### Legacy
Olesha’s work, particularly *Three Fat Men*, influenced Russian literary traditions, bridging children’s literature and political satire. His themes of power and resistance resonate in modern interpretations of his writing.

### Affiliations and Citations
Olesha’s works are referenced in major encyclopedias, including:
- **Encyclopædia Britannica**
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary**
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia**

His contributions are cataloged under multiple identifiers, such as **Library of Congress Authority ID (n79140906)** and **VIAF ID (247149066396265601002)**.

### Death
Yury Olesha died on **May 10, 1960**, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied for its literary and political significance.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. Great Russian Encyclopedia
4. BnF authorities
5. LIBRIS. 2013
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. ProDetLit
10. Russian literature of the 20th century. Volume 2, 2005
11. SNAC
12. Find a Grave
13. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
14. Babelio
15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
16. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
19. Catalogo of the National Library of India