Meander

Lev Losev (Lev Vladimirovich Lifshits, 1937–2009) — poet, literary critic, essayist, friend and interlocutor of Joseph Brodsky.

Losev was born in a family of children's poets Vladimir Lifshits and Asya Genkina, studied at the philological faculty of Leningrad State University, and was a participant in the "Philological School". Memoir writing is another important part of Losev's legacy, in addition to poetry and literary critical works. Losev writes about his youth, his acquaintance with Brodsky, and the impression that the future Nobel laureate made at their first meeting, about the scandalous antics of the "Philological School", about post-war Leningrad, about emigration and much more. Losev speaks about his dear people and places with feeling, but at the same time seems to remain a bit in the shadows, maintaining a respectful distance.

This tone is a true testament to love and respect for his heroes.