BRYUSOV, VALERY YAKOVLEVICH

born Dec. 13 [Dec. 1, Old Style], 1873, Moscow, Russia died Oct. 9, 1924, Moscow, Russian S.F.S.R. Bryusov also spelled Briusov poet, novelist, playwright, translator, and essayist who pioneered Russian modernism. The son of a prosperous merchant, Bryusov received a liberal education and became interested in French Symbolist poetry in the early 1890s. He first gained critical recognition when he published (with A.A. Lang) Russkie simvolisty (189495; Russian Symbolists), an anthology of original poems by Russian Symbolists as well as of translations from the French (Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Stphane Mallarm). This work was an important landmark in the Russian modernist movement, and Bryusov eventually became the recognized leader of Russian Symbolism when he assumed in 1904 the editorship of its leading critical journal, Vesy (The Scales). The most important of Bryusov's own ten volumes of original poetry published between 1895 and 1921 were Tertia vigilia (1900; Third Vigil), Urbi et orbi (1903; To the City and the World), and Stephanos (1906). As a poet Bryusov displayed great technical skill and erudition in his mystical and eroticized treatments of history and mythology. His highly ornate and cerebral poetry also evinces qualities of coldness, detachment, and artificiality, however, particularly in the later phase of his artistic production. His prose fiction includes the novels Ognenny angel (1908; The Fiery Angel) and Altar pobedy (1913; Altar of Victory). Having broken with the Symbolist movement in 1910, Bryusov taught literature after the Russian Revolution and held teaching and publishing posts until his death. He is best remembered for his efforts as a translator, critic, and essayist to raise the stature of modern poetry in Russia.