Goncharov Ivan Aleksandrovich (1812-1891)

B i o g r a p h y Born in Simbirsk (Ulyanovsk) into a wealthy family. Graduated from Moscow University in 1834 Among his classmates were Lermontov, Herzen, Turgenev

B i o g r a p h y (cont.) For the next 30 years served as a governmental official (translator, censor) Best known novels: A Common Story (1847) (Обыкновенная история), Oblomov (1859) (Обломов), The Precipice (1869) (Обрыв)

Oblomov, Ilya Il’ich Oblomov, an indolent and dreamy Russian nobleman, Became emblematic of a Russian social type, the “superfluous man”.

‘Обломовщина’ ‘oblomovshchina’ ‘Oblomovitis’, ‘Oblomovism’ For a few moments Oblomov remained too plunged in thought to notice Zakhar's presence; but at length the valet coughed. "What do you want?" Oblomov inquired. "You called me just now, master?" "I called you, you say? Well, I cannot remember why I did so. Return to your room until I have remembered."

Several Days from the Life of I.I. Oblomov Awards: Oxford’s Golden Shield for Best Directing (Nikita Mikhalkov) at the Oxford IFF, 1980; Oxford’s Silver Shield for Best Actor (Oleg Tabakov) at the Oxford IFF, 1980; Oxford’s Silver Shield for Best Actress (Yelena Solovey) at the Oxford IFF, 1980; Best Foreign Film of 1981, by the decision of U.S. National Council of Film Critics, 1981