The Death of the Vazir-Mukhtar

A novel about the tragic end of the life of the outstanding Russian writer Alexander Griboedov.

With documentary accuracy and attention to detail, Yury Tynyanov reconstructs the events of the last months of his fate.

“Death of Vaziri-Mukhtar” is a historical novel about the Russian writer and diplomat Alexander Sergeyevich Griboedov, the author of the famous “Woe from Wit.” The book, which faithfully conveys the atmosphere and circumstances of his final days, is rightfully considered one of the strongest works of Russian historical prose of the 20th century.

One year before his death, the titular councillor Griboedov receives an appointment as the plenipotentiary representative of the Russian Empire in Persia and sets off for his post. At first, he is received favorably: the charming envoy is welcomed with honors and is called “Vaziri-Mukhtar”—“the chosen envoy,” “the chief ambassador.” But Griboedov’s persistence and principled approach to the collection of the delayed indemnity quickly create dangerous enemies for him, and with the silent indulgence of the shah, the diplomat becomes an easy target for a fanatically driven part of Persian society…