Mikhail Yurievich Lermontov (1814-1841) was a Russian poet and prose writer. Fearless, impulsive, and passionate, he was the embodiment of Russian romanticism.

The contributions of Mikhail Lermontov to Russian literature are remarkable in view of his short life. Absorbing the romanticism of his European predecessors and contemporaries and, in his mature writing, disciplining it by realism and restrained language, he chastened early romantic impulses and language without losing the color and personal lyricism that first inspired his writings. Anton Chekhov said, "I know of no language better than that of Lermontov," and recommended it as a model for young writers.

Lermontov was born in Moscow Oct. 15, 1814. His mother died when he was 3, and his grandmother and father struggled for control of the child. The grandmother eventually won, but not before emotional scars were inflicted on the young boy. His health was poor, so his grandmother took him on...