Velimir Khlebnikov (1885, 1922), an outstanding avant-gardist, known for his poetry and prose. He became a key figure in the history of Russian futurism. Khlebnikov's biography is closely linked to his experiments with the Russian language and reforms in word creation. His sharp mind, extraordinary talent, and genius worldview attracted and repelled admirers.

The poet's real name was Viktor Vladimirovich Khlebnikov. He was born on October 28 (November 9) 1885 in a family of a biologist. In his childhood, nothing foreshadowed his literary future, as he was fascinated by natural and exact sciences. Khlebnikov entered the Kazan Institute and graduated successfully, but did not complete his studies at a St. Petersburg institution, where he enrolled in 1908.

During his studies, Khlebnikov began writing poetry. From 1908, his works began to appear in literary collections, and he gradually entered the circle of avant-gardists. Thanks to his talent and sensitivity, he quickly won the sympathy of colleagues such as D. Burliuk and A. Kruchyonykh, who were the first to publish his collections.

Khlebnikov led a nomadic lifestyle, living in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Rostov, and other cities in Russia. This experience inspired him to create works. He became one of the founders of futurism and published several books. In 1916, the play "The Error of Death" was released, and five years later, the poem "Night in the Trench".

Khlebnikov was ahead of his time, addressing ancient Slavic, Central Asian, and ancient Eastern mythology. He created a zaum language, striving for new forms of artistic expression. His work was positively received in literary circles, but conservatives close to power viewed him negatively. Nevertheless, his influence was reflected in the works of writers such as Kharms, Tikhonov, Zabolotsky, and Vvedensky.

Khlebnikov was friends with famous poets and writers such as Vladimir Mayakovsky, Lilya Brik, Boris Pasternak, and Valentin Kataev. After his death, they published "The Unpublished Khlebnikov" and "Collected Works," which included his works for children and adults.

Khlebnikov was not married and left no children, but he fell in love with Anna Akhmatova, the Sinyakov sisters, Vera Budberg, and Ksana Boguslavskaya. He predicted his own death, saying that people like him die early, around 37 years old. By the end of his life, physically and morally exhausted, he was taken by the future husband of his sister to Santalovo for recovery. However, his condition worsened, and in 1922 he died from paresis.