Gogol Nikolai VasilievichNikolai Vasilievich Gogol was a Russian writer and playwright born on March 31, 1809, in Sorochyntsi, Ukraine. He is best known for his novel "Dead Souls" and his plays "The Government Inspector" and "Marriage." Gogol was the son of a small landownerand grew up in a strict religious household. He studied at a boarding school in Nezhin and later moved to St. Petersburg, where he worked as a government clerk. In St. Petersburg, he became friends with the literary elite and began writing and publishing his works. His first book, "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka," published in 1831, was a collection of short stories that showcased his unique style, blending folklore, satire, and humor. He followed it up with "Mirgorod," another collection of stories set in the same fictional town. In addition to his writing, Gogol was also involved in the theater. His play "The Government Inspector," a biting satire on corruption in the Russian bureaucracy, premiered in 1836 and was a huge success. "Marriage," a comedy about the difficulties of finding a suitable partner, followed in 1842. Read More Read Less