Zhukovsky, Vasily Andreyevich

Zhukovsky, Vasily Andreyevich vəsēˈlyē əndrāˈəvĭch zho͞okôfˈskē [key], 1783–1852, Russian poet and translator. Zhukovsky wrote fine lyrics and odes, including the patriotic poem “The Bard in the Camp of the Russian Warriors” (1812), but is important chiefly for his translations. He introduced into Russia the works of English, French, and German poets and also gave Russian verse a new quality of flexibility, subtlety, and grace. Zhukovsky was tutor to the future Czar Alexander II, who was influenced by his liberal ideas.

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