Konstantin Paustovsky

Konstantin Georgiyevich Paustovsky (Russian: Константи́н Гео́ргиевич Паусто́вский, IPA: [pəʊˈstofskʲɪj]; 31 May [O.S. 19 May] 1892 – 14 July 1968) was a Soviet writer nominated for the Nobel Prize for literature in 1965. Perhaps Paustovsky's most famous work is his autobiography “Povest o Zhizni” (“Story of a Life”). It is not a strictly historical document but rather a long, lyrical tale focusing on the internal perceptions and poetic development of the writer. It has been called a "biography of the soul" rather than a biography of events. Nonetheless, it does provide a unique view of life in Russia during the turbulent years of World War I, the Russian Civil War and rise of the Soviets, all of which Paustovsky participated in.

The autobiography was translated into English by Manya Harari and Michael Duncan, and published in six volumes by Harvill Press.

Volume 1: Story of a Life - Childhood and Schooldays (pub. 1964)

Volume 2: Slow Approach of Thunder (pub. 1965)

Volume 3: In That Dawn (pub. 1967)

Volume 4: Years of Hope (pub. 1968)

Volume 5: Southern Adventure (pub. 1969)

Volume 6: The Restless Years (pub. 1974)