Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin, an outstanding Russian writer and historian, is considered the founder of sentimentalism.

He was born on December 12, 1766, in the Simbirsk province. His father was a nobleman and owned his own estate. Like many from the upper class, Nikolai received an education at home. In his youth, he left his hometown and enrolled at the Moscow University of Johann Shaden, where he successfully studied foreign languages. In addition to the main curriculum, he attended lectures by well-known Enlighteners and philosophers, which marked the beginning of his literary career.

In 1783, Karamzin joined the Preobrazhensky Regiment, where he served until his father's death. After that, he returned home and met the poet Ivan Turgenev, a member of a Masonic lodge. Ivan Sergeyevich suggested that Nikolai join this organization. After joining, Karamzin became fascinated with the literature of Rousseau and Shakespeare, which changed his worldview. Inspired by European culture, he severed ties with the lodge and embarked on a journey. During his travels, he witnessed the French Revolution and met the philosopher Immanuel Kant.

These events had a profound impact on Karamzin. Under their influence, he wrote "Letters of a Russian Traveler," where he expressed his feelings and views on the West. Readers appreciated his sentimental style. Seeing this, Karamzin began working on "Poor Liza," a benchmark work of the genre that reveals the thoughts and experiences of the characters. This work was positively received by society and pushed classicism to the background.

In 1791, Karamzin took up journalism, working for the "Moscow Journal," where he published his almanacs and other works. He also wrote reviews of theatrical performances. Until 1802, Nikolai engaged in publicism, grew close to the royal court, and actively communicated with Emperor Alexander I, earning his trust and becoming a confidant.

A year later, he focused on historical notes. The idea of creating a book about the history of Russia captivated him. Having received the title of historiographer, he wrote "The History of the Russian State." Twelve volumes were published, the last of which was completed in 1826 in Tsarskoye Selo. Here, Nikolai Mikhailovich spent his last years and died on May 22, 1826, from a cold-related illness.