Photo: Anefo / Croes, R.C. / CC BY-SA 3.0 nl (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Joseph Brodsky was a poet, translator and essayist, born on May 24, 1940 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Death is recorded on January 28, 1996, at the age of 55. Recorded honors include Nobel Prize in Literature (1987), Guggenheim Fellowship (1977), MacArthur Fellows Program (1981) and 5 more. Credited works include Gorbunov and Gorchakov.
My Take
Joseph Brodsky is, to me, proof that language can outlast power. Born in Leningrad, harassed and ultimately pushed out by Soviet authorities, he rebuilt himself in America and rose to the Nobel Prize and the post of US Poet Laureate. What moves me most is that exile from his own tongue did not silence him; instead his poems and essays became fiercer arguments for human freedom. I tend to believe in the moments when words simply outweigh the state, and Brodsky embodies that conviction. He died in 1996, yet his lines still travel across eras and borders with undimmed force.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Joseph Brodsky
- Name (Japanese)
- ヨシフ・ブロツキー
- Reading
- よしふ・ぶろつきー
- Born
- May 24, 1940 – January 28, 1996
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Gemini / Dragon
- Origin
- Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Occupation
- poet / translator / essayist / playwright / dramaturge
2. Background
Awards & achievements
- 1987 Nobel Prize in Literature
- 1977 Guggenheim Fellowship
- 1981 MacArthur Fellows Program
- Rome Prize
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- honorary citizen of Saint Petersburg
- 1991 United States Poet Laureate
- 1991 Golden Wreath
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Gorbunov and Gorchakov | — |
4. Links
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Joseph Brodsky born?
Born May 24, 1940.
When did Joseph Brodsky die?
Died January 28, 1996, aged 55.
Where was Joseph Brodsky from?
Joseph Brodsky was from Saint Petersburg, Russia.
What did Joseph Brodsky do?
Joseph Brodsky worked as poet, translator, essayist, playwright, dramaturge.
What was Joseph Brodsky known for?
Notable works include Gorbunov and Gorchakov.
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