Nikolai Gumilev

Nikolai Gumilev was a Russian poet and literary critic born in 1886, known for his mastery of traditional forms like sonnets and ballads. He co-founded the influential Acmeist movement, which aimed to bring clarity and craftsmanship back to poetry, countering the then-dominant Symbolism. Gumilev’s work often explored themes of Russian history, heroism, and personal experience. He was also an adventurer and a prominent figure in literary circles. His life ended tragically in 1921 when he was executed by the Soviet secret police, highlighting the turbulent era he lived through.