Vladimir Fyodorovich Odoevsky (1804, 1869) was a Russian writer and thinker of the Romantic era, as well as one of the founders of Russian musicology. Coming from an ancient noble family, he did much for the common people, earning a reputation as a philanthropist.

Odoevsky was born in Moscow on July 30 (August 11) 1803, becoming the last representative of the princely Odoevsky family, one of the older branches of the Rurik dynasty. When he was four years old, his father died, and his mother, remarrying, entrusted her son to the care of noble relatives. His upbringing was taken over by his cousin, General Dmitry Andreevich Zakrevsky.

While studying at the Moscow University Noble Boarding School, Vladimir became interested in literature and philosophy, actively attending literary circles. After graduating from the boarding school with a gold medal in 1823, he began working at the Moscow Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this time, he and like-minded individuals founded the philosophical "Society of Amateurs of Wisdom."

In 1826, Odoevsky moved to St. Petersburg and began working at the Censorship Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In the late 1820s, he received the court title of chamber junker but continued to write stories, which he had taken a liking to back in the boarding school.

His life and work were closely linked to the cultural activities of the country. He collaborated with the editors of the "Literary Gazette" and the publication "Northern Flowers." In his home, Odoevsky opened a literary salon where famous Russian writers and musicians gathered, such as Mikhail Lermontov, Alexander Griboedov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Nikolai Gogol.

Odoevsky gained initial fame with "Colorful Tales," published in 1833, which delighted N. V. Gogol and were warmly received by readers. A year later, his book "The City in a Snuffbox" was released, followed by "Tales and Stories for Children by Grandfather Iriney," which established him as an outstanding storyteller, comparable to Hans Christian Andersen.

His novel "Year 4338: Petersburg Letters" is also interesting, where he predicted such achievements of modern civilization as mobile phones and printers. Music held a significant place in his life, especially its theoretical aspect. He believed that music is based on mathematical laws and wrote books such as "On the Original Great Russian Song," "Russian and So-Called Common Music," and "Music from the Point of View of Acoustics," becoming one of the founders of musicology in Russia.

Odoevsky was actively involved in charity and public activities. He was an opponent of serfdom, advocated for prison reform, and the introduction of jury trials. Thanks to his efforts, hospitals and orphanages were built. He always supported the underprivileged and considered mercy to be the most important human virtue.

His wife was the lady-in-waiting of the Empress, Olga Lanskaya, whom he married in 1826. She was his friend and helped run the literary salon. The absence of children was a great tragedy for the couple.

Vladimir Fyodorovich passed away on February 27 (March 11) 1869 in Moscow and was buried in the Don Monastery. After his death, his widow transferred his book archive to the Imperial Public Library and his music archive to the Moscow Conservatory.