Ivan Turgenev

Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev was a Russian novelist, short story writer, poet, playwright and translator who lived from 1818 to 1883, credited with helping popularize Russian literature in Western Europe. His first major publication, the 1852 short story collection A Sportsman's Sketches, was a milestone of Russian literary realism, and his 1862 novel Fathers and Sons is regarded as one of the major works of nineteenth century fiction, notably introducing the term nihilist into wide use through its central character. Turgenev's fiction is known for its careful, understated depiction of Russian rural and gentry life amid the social tensions of his era.