Zamyatin

Yevgeny Zamyatin was a Russian author best known for his dystopian novel "We". Born in 1884, he initially trained as a naval engineer before turning to writing. His early works often explored themes of Russian provincial life and the burgeoning industrial revolution.

During World War I, Zamyatin served as an engineer in Britain, an experience that heavily influenced his later satirical and critical views of technology and conformity. After the Bolshevik Revolution, he became an active participant in the literary scene, though his critical stance towards the new Soviet regime led to increasing difficulties.

"We," written in the 1920s, is a seminal work of dystopian fiction that depicted a future society governed by absolute logic and reason, suppressing individuality and freedom. The novel's bleak portrayal of totalitarian control and its critique of unchecked scientific advancement resonated with many and is considered a precursor to works like Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four" and Huxley's "Brave New World."

Despite its importance, "We" was banned in the Soviet Union and Zamyatin was forced to emigrate in 1931. He spent his remaining years in Paris, continuing to write but struggling with censorship and lack of recognition. Zamyatin died in 1937, leaving behind a legacy as a courageous voice against oppression and a pioneer of dystopian literature. His work continues to be studied for its prescient insights into the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of individual liberty.