Boris Vladimirovich Ostanin, born on October 1, 1946, in Boyan-Obo, Mongolia, and passing away on September 22, 2023, in Saint Petersburg, was a towering figure in the Russian literary world. A writer, essayist, editor, translator, and literary activist, Ostanin's legacy remains firmly etched in modern Russian culture.
Early Life: A Nomadic Childhood
Boris was born into a military family; his father was a military pilot. This meant that much of his childhood was spent moving from place to place within the Soviet Union. The family's itinerant lifestyle continued until Boris was 10 years old, at which point tragedy struck: his father died. Following his father's death, Boris and his mother relocated to Leningrad (now known as Saint Petersburg) in 1961.
Education and Early Career Struggles
In Leningrad, Boris pursued higher education at the Mathematics and Mechanics Faculty of Leningrad University. He specialized in logic, a field that would later influence his analytical approach to literature. After graduating, Boris took on various odd jobs to make ends meet, including roles as a security guard, elevator operator, and boiler room operator.
Taking the First Steps in Literature
The year 1976 marked a turning point in Boris's life. He became the co-editor of a self-published (samizdat) literary journal called "Chasy," alongside another Boris—Boris Ivanov. This was the start of a lifelong career in literature. In 1978, Boris was instrumental in establishing the Andrei Bely Prize, and he remained an active committee member until the end of his life.
The Editor and Publisher
Between 1992 and 1997, Boris served as the chief editor for Izdatel'stvo Chernysheva, a Saint Petersburg-based publishing house. His editorial acumen didn't stop there; he later collaborated as an editor and consultant with renowned publishing houses like Amfora and Palmyra.
The Writer and Critic
Boris was known for his deep insights into Russian poetry. He published numerous critical essays in various periodicals, especially after 1990. These were often penned under pseudonyms, a testament to his modesty and perhaps a nod to the volatile nature of literary criticism. In addition to his essays, Boris authored four books of aphorisms, a form that allowed him to distill his keen observations into bite-sized wisdom.
The Translator
Boris was also a proficient translator, bridging cultural gaps by bringing foreign literary works to Russian readers. He translated works from English and French, including those by Albert Camus, Eugène Ionesco, Jean Genet, Carson McCullers, and Carlos Castaneda. His translation work also extended to esoteric texts; he co-translated the "Tibetan Book of the Dead" as well as a monograph by V. Markov titled "The History of Russian Futurism."
The Published Works
Boris's bibliography is extensive, reflecting a life deeply immersed in literary pursuits. Some of his notable works include:
- Punktíry (2000, 2022)
- Belye Flagi (2004, 2020, 2022)
- Molniya i Raduga (2003)
- Na Breyushchem Pote (2009, 2022)
- Tridtsat' Sem' i Odin (2015, 2017)
- Tridtsat' Sem' i Dva (2018)
- Drebizgi (2018, 2022)
- Theater in the Theater (2019)
- Two Productions (2019)
- Drebizgi-2 (2019, 2022)
- Tridtsat' Sem' Rovno (2019)
- Dictionary to the Novella by Sasha Sokolov 'Between the Dog and the Wolf' (2020)
- Guesses About Nabokov (2021, 2022, 2023)
The Later Years and Legacy
As Boris aged, he never let go of his intellectual pursuits. Despite the inevitable challenges that come with aging, he remained active in the literary circles, contributing to both criticism and creative works. Unfortunately, Boris died on September 22, 2023, in Saint Petersburg.
Even after his death, Boris's works continue to serve as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in Russian literature. His life, marked by an indomitable spirit and a relentless pursuit of intellectual endeavors, remains an inspiration to many.
Boris Vladimirovich Ostanin was more than just a writer; he was a literary polymath. From his early life marked by nomadic wanderings and the tragedy of losing a parent, to his years of struggle and ultimate triumph in the realm of Russian literature, Boris's life story is as compelling as any work of fiction. He may have passed away, but his intellectual legacy lives on, continuing to inform, inspire, and provoke thought.
Whether it was his role as an editor, contributing to the success of various publishing houses, or as a writer and critic, offering fresh perspectives on Russian poetry and literature, Boris's impact was multifaceted. Add to that his valuable contributions as a translator, and you have a man whose life was a testament to the power of words and ideas.
In a world often driven by fame and superficial accomplishments, Boris Ostanin stands as a towering example of what can be achieved through a life devoted to intellectual rigor and cultural contribution. He may no longer be with us, but the words he left behind continue to enrich the Russian literary landscape. Boris was, in every sense, a man of letters, and his life's work stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature.
His was a life well-lived, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. In death, as in life, Boris Vladimirovich Ostanin remains a luminary in the world of Russian literature.
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