Lazar Lagin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lazar Lagin
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| Born | December 4, 1903 Vitebsk |
| Died | June 4, 1979 (aged 75) Moscow |
Lazar Lagin was a well-known Soviet writer. His real name was Lazar Ginzburg. He wrote many popular books for children and exciting science fiction stories. A "pen name" is a special name a writer uses instead of their real name.
Lagin was born on December 4, 1903, in Vitebsk. He passed away on June 4, 1979, in Moscow.
Contents
Old Man Hottabych: A Magical Story
Lazar Lagin is most famous for his wonderful book, Starik Hottabych, which means Old Man Hottabych. This book was first published in 1938. It is a fairy tale about a genie who is set free by a Soviet schoolboy. A genie is a magical spirit, often found in a lamp or bottle, who can grant wishes.
The story is very funny because the genie has a hard time getting used to modern life. He struggles with new technology and different ways of thinking. This book was so popular that it was made into a film called Old Khottabych in 1956. Many schools in Russia recommended this book for their libraries.
Science Fiction Adventures
Lagin also wrote many interesting science fiction novels. These stories often took place in imaginary Western countries. In these books, he would make fun of how new scientific inventions were sometimes used in rich, capitalist societies. He showed how these inventions could be misused.
For example, his story Major Well Andyou is a funny follow-up to H. G. Wells' famous book, The War of the Worlds.
Writing for the Screen
Besides writing books, Lazar Lagin also wrote screenplays. A screenplay is the script for a movie or TV show. He wrote the screenplay for the 1967 animated film Passion of Spies.
Books in Other Languages
Lagin's stories have been translated so people in other countries can read them.
In English
- The Old Genie Hottabych, Fredonia Books, 2001.
In Hindi
- Beeswin sadi ka jinn. New Delhi, Rajkamal publications. Translated by famous Hindi Writer Kamaleshwar.
