Boris Akunin

Boris Akunin is the pen name of Grigory Shalvovich Chkhartishvili, a prominent Russian author born in Zestafoni, Georgia, in 1956. He has been a resident of Moscow since the age of two. Akunin is renowned for his expertise on Japan, which is reflected in his 20-volume anthology on Japanese literature, written under his real name. His proficiency in Japanese culture is also evident in his fascination with Kabuki theatre.

Akunin has made a significant impact on the literary world with his crime fiction and historical fiction novels. His works, which have been translated into numerous languages, include the acclaimed Erast Fandorin historical mystery series and the Sister Pelagia series. The author's talent has led to the film adaptation of many of his novels.

Grigory Shalvovich Chkhartishvili is also known by his other pseudonyms, Anna Borisova and Anatoliy Brusnikin. However, he is most famously recognized by his pen name, Boris Akunin. This name holds special meaning for the author, as it is derived from Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin, a famous Russian anarchist, and Akuna, the home name of Anna Akhmatova, a renowned Russian poet.

Boris Akunin's literary accomplishments have earned him considerable recognition. In 2000, he was named Russian Writer of the Year and won the "Antibooker" prize for his Erast Fandorin novel Coronation, or the last of the Romanovs. Akunin has also ventured into different literary genres, creating the crime-solving Orthodox nun, Sister Pelagia.