Nikolai Gogol
Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977),  one of the 20th century's greatest writers in  both Russian and English, was born in St.  Petersburg, Russia, and spent his adult life in  Germany, France, the United States, and  Switzerland. In addition to his literary work,  he was a passionate lepidopterist and chess  player. His books include Lolita, Pale Fire, The Real Light of Sebastian Knight, Laughter in the Dark, and many more.