On 23 October, Alla Borisovna Botnikova (12.05.1924–23.10.2022) passed away. She was an outstanding specialist in Germanic Studies, DSc in Philology, professor, Honoured Worker of Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and a member of the Russian Theatrical Society.
Alla Botnikova was one of the leading experts on Hoffmann and the connection between the Russian and German literature. Alla Botnikova, professor at the Faculty of Philology, wrote two major books about the perception of Hoffmann in Russia (1977) and the German Romanticism (2004, 2005).
She was born in Kostroma to a family with a rich culture and traditions. Among her mother’s ancestors was a brother of Fedor Volkov, the founder of the Russian theatre. Her grandfather was the city mayor, a member of the State Duma, and did a lot for the well-being of Kostroma (there is still a Botnikov Park in the city). Her other grandfather was a priest canonised as a local saint.
Alla Botnikova graduated from Moscow State University and moved to Voronezh in 1949. She founded the Department of Foreign Literature at Voronezh State University in 1968 and remained its head up to 1990. Her contribution to the development of literary studies in Voronezh is invaluable. She educated several generations of philologists and had a great influence on a number of well-known scientists.
Like her husband, Zinovy Anchipolovsky, Alla Botnikova wrote a lot about the theatrical life of the city. She was an active member of the Voronezh division of the Theatrical Union and a loyal friend of the Chamber Theatre. She compiled her feelings about theatre life in a book “Theatrical impression” published in 2014.
Alla Botnikova also played a great role in the cultural life of the city and Voronezh State University. She was a good friend and made people around her feel better. Alla Botnikova was admired and loved by many and she will always remain in their hearts.
A condolences telegram was sent by Alexey Gordeev, a Deputy Chair of the State Duma.
Photo: Evgenia Emelianova
