Lokhvitskaia, Mirra (1869–1905)

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Lokhvitskaia, Mirra (1869–1905)

Russian poet and dramatist. Name variations: Mariia; the Russian Sappho. Born Mariia Aleksandrovna Lokhvitskaia, 1869; died from tuberculosis, 1905; dau. of Aleksandr Lokhvitskii, prominent St. Petersburg lawyer; older sister of N.A. Teffi (1872–1952), the writer; sister of writers Varvara Lokhvitskaia and Elena Lokhvitskaia; m. in 1892; children: 5.

Published 5 vols. of verse (1896–1904); had a scandalous affair with Konstantin Bal'mont (1896–98) which added to her popularity, as did her appearances at poetry readings; for her poetry, won coveted Pushkin prize (1896, 1905); also wrote 3 plays, On the Road to the East, Immortal Love and In nomine Domini.

See also Women in World History.

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