Matvei Komarov
Matvei Komarov, born around 1730 in Russia, is recognized for his contributions to early Russian literature, particularly as a writer with roots in the serfdom system. Although specific details about his early life and family remain unclear, it is believed he served a noble family, which provided him with some exposure to education and literature. Komarov gained fame for his publications between 1779 and 1791, notably his first novel, which is considered Russia's first detective book, focusing on the life of a notorious thief. His works often adapted traditional folk stories, incorporating humor and idiomatic expressions that resonated with peasant audiences of his time.
Komarov's writing, while criticized for its literary quality, was popular and frequently reprinted, reflecting a broad appeal among readers. His most celebrated work, chronicling the adventures of fictional characters, was widely enjoyed and faced censorship after the 1917 Revolution. Despite the challenges his works faced under Communist rule, scholars suggest that Komarov played a significant role in fostering an appreciation for Russian literature, influencing both contemporary and future authors. He died in 1812, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue scholars and literature enthusiasts alike.
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Matvei Komarov
Writer
- Born: c. 1730
- Birthplace: Possibly Moscow, Russia
- Died: c. 1812
Biography
Matvei Komarov was born circa 1730 in Russia, possibly in Moscow because several sources referred to him as a Muscovite. Scholars have been unable to determine specific biographical facts identifying Komarov’s parents or describing his early life. He provided researchers some clues in his books. Komarov’s notes revealed he had been a serf serving nobles on a manor. Scholars believed Anna Loginovna Eikhler, whose daughter married Prince Aleksei Khovansky, owned Komarov. When plague threatened Moscow, Komarov accompanied Eikhler to Volga, where Khovansky owned an estate.
Komarov acquired only a basic education, learning the Russian alphabet and grammar. He read a variety of books, including religious and mainstream texts. Komarov was freed by 1787, and he advertised in the Moscow News, seeking work as a servant. He published works from 1779 to 1791, possibly because he had earned sufficient royalties to retire. Records indicated that Komarov died in 1812.
Komarov’s debut publication, Pis’mo ego siiatel’stvu kniaziu Alekseiu Vasil’evichu Khovanskomu. Pisannoe v Ruzskoi ego votchine v sele Bogorodskom, v kotorom neskol’ko familei imeli ubezhishcha ot byvshei v Moskve morovoi iazvy (a letter to his excellency Prince Aleksei Vasilevich Khovansky), appeared in 1771 and commended the prince for preventing plague from killing his family and surrounding populations. Komarov was reluctant to identify himself as a writer because he primarily adapted traditional Russian folk stories or created intriguing accounts of notorious peoples’ lives. He provided introductions and explanatory annotations to appeal to his contemporary audience, who were mostly peasants.
For his initial novel, Obstoiatel’noe i vernoe opisanie dobrykh i zlykh del rossiiskogo moshennika, vora, razboinika i byvshego moskovskogo syshchika Van’ki Kaina, vsei ego zhizni i strannykh pokhozhdenii (a true and detailed account of the good and evil deeds of the Russian scoundrel, thief, robber, and former Moscow police spy, Van’ki Kain), published in 1779, Komarov appropriated the story of Ivan Osipov, a serf known as Kain, who had fled his owner and led thugs roaming Russia. Eventually, authorities seized Kain, who recorded his memoir in exile.
Komarov saw Kain at Moscow in 1755, listened to his story, and later secured a copy of Kain’s manuscript and interviewed his associates. Scholars considered Komarov’s novel Russia’s first known detective book and best seller, noting the lack of copyrights resulted in Komarov’s book being frequently reprinted and dispersed without precise sales figures being recorded.
Readers especially liked Komarov’s book, Povest’ o prikliuchenii aglinskogo milorda Georga i o brandeburgskoi markgrafine Friderike Luize (the story about the adventures of the English Milord George and the Brandenburg Margravine Friederika Luise), which he published in 1782. Its popularity resulted in a succession of reprints until the Bolsheviks banned that title from being sold after the 1918 edition’s publication. His final book appeared in 1791, consisting of periodical pieces he selected for readers’ entertainment.
Most contemporary critics regarded Komarov’s work as lacking literary merit. He intended his work to be enjoyable, evoking oral traditions by including idiomatic language, humor, and references peasants understood. Readers eagerly read and shared Komarov’s tales. Publishers printed several of Komarov’s titles posthumously during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The October 1917 Revolution blocked much public distribution of Komarov’s works, which became obscure during Communist rule when his works were only circulated privately. Scholars hypothesized that Komarov attracted more readers than contemporary and later Russian writers, crediting him with establishing an appreciation for Russian literature which aided modern authors.