Nikolai Gogol was a Ukrainian-born Russian writer who is considered one of the greatest representatives of Russian realism and a forerunner of surrealism. He is best known for his short stories, such as "The Nose" and "The Overcoat", as well as his novel "Dead Souls". His works often portrayed the absurdities and social injustices of imperial Russia, and his unique blend of humor and satire earned him a reputation as a master of the grotesque. Gogol's impact on Russian literature and culture has been immense, and his works continue to be widely read and studied today.
