Alexander Valentinovich Vampilov

Alexander Valentinovich Vampilov – a Russian Soviet playwright, prose writer and publicist. Vampilov was born in the town of Cheremkhovo in Irkutsk Oblast to a family of teachers. After finishing school he entered the Faculty of History and Philology at Irkutsk University and graduated in 1960. While studying in his fifth year he began working in the editorial office of the newspaper 'Sovetskaya Molodezh' (Soviet Youth), writing reports, sketches and feuilletons. In 1961 his first and only book published during his lifetime was released – a collection of humorous stories 'Coincidence of Circumstances'.

 

In 1964 Vampilov left the newspaper to devote himself entirely to creative work. In 1965, after participating in the Chita seminar for young writers, he was admitted to the Union of Soviet Writers. During his creative career he produced about 70 stories, scenes, sketches, articles and feuilletons. 

Vampilov's life was tragically cut short on August 17, 1972 – he drowned in Lake Baikal. On his desk remained an unfinished vaudeville 'The Incomparable Nakonechnikov'.