Korolenko, Vladimir Galaktionovich (1853–1921)

Russian writer, publicist, and social activist. Exiled to Siberia in 1879, he wrote a series of stories about its people and way of life; for example, ‘Son Makara/Makar's Dream’ 1885. Warm humour and a belief in human goodness colour all his writings. He campaigned against injustice and intolerance.

Korolenko was a supporter of Populism, which led to his exile. His encounters in Siberia with those on the margins of society formed the basis of his writing. For many years he was co-editor of the influential Populist review Russkoe Bogatstvo/Russian Wealth.

Among Korolenko's longer works are the novellas Slepoi muzikant/The Blind Musician 1885 and the humorous Bez yazyka/Without a Language 1895, about a Russian peasant stranded in America.