Maxim Gorky, whose real name was Alexei Maximovich Peshkov, was born on March 16, 1868, in Nizhny Novgorod to a carpenter's family. After the early death of his parents, Alexei lived with his grandfather, and his grandmother became his guide to the world of folk poetry. He wrote about it with love, noting that its verses deeply touched his soul.

Gorky's childhood was spent in difficult conditions, and from an early age, he had to work to survive. He dedicated only two years to studying at the Nizhny Novgorod school, after which, due to poverty, he began working while continuing his self-education. In 1887, going through a tough period, he attempted to take his own life but survived.

Traveling across Russia, Gorky actively promoted revolutionary ideas, which led to his arrest in 1888. His first story, "Makar Chudra," was published in 1892, and the collection "Essays and Stories" in 1898 brought him fame.

In the early 1900s, Gorky wrote the novel "Three" and met Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy. In 1902, he was elected a member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, but this decision was soon revoked by order of Nicholas II.

Among Gorky's well-known works are the story "Old Woman Izergil," the plays "The Lower Depths" and "The Philistines," the novellas "Childhood" and "In the World," as well as the unfinished novel "The Life of Klim Samgin." He also wrote fairy tales for children, such as "The Tale of Ivanushka the Fool" and "Tales of Italy." Gorky paid much attention to children, organizing celebrations and publishing a children's magazine.

In 1906, Gorky moved to the USA and then to Italy, where he lived until 1913, continuing to support the revolution. Upon returning to Russia, he settled in St. Petersburg, engaging in publishing and social activities. In 1921, due to illness and disagreements with the authorities, at the insistence of Vladimir Lenin, he left for abroad but ultimately returned to the USSR in October 1932.

Back in his homeland, Gorky continued to write and publish actively. He died on June 18, 1936, in the village of Gorki, Moscow region, under mysterious circumstances. There were rumors of his poisoning, for which Stalin was blamed, but this version was not confirmed.