Alexander Herzen

Alexander Ivanovich Herzen was a Russian writer and thinker known as the precursor of Russian socialism and one of the main precursors of agrarian populism. With his writings, many composed while exiled in London, he attempted to influence the situation in Russia, contributing to a political climate that led to the emancipation of the serfs in 1861. He published the important social novel Who is to Blame? (1845–46). His autobiography, My Past and Thoughts, is often considered one of the best examples of that genre in Russian literature.

6 April 1812

Born on the same birth day (6 April): André Weinfeld • Barry Levinson • Bison Dele • Celestina Cordero • Eduardo Malapit • Erich Mühsam • James Watson • Jean-Marc Boivin • Jeanne Hébuterne • Jeff Faine • Joi Lansing • Ken (South Korean singer) • Maurizio Damilano • Patrick Doyle

Born in the same month (April 1812): Frederick Whitaker • Friedrich von Flotow • George Grey • Solomon Caesar Malan • William W. Snow