Nikolai Gumilev (1886–1921) was the first husband to the poet Anna Akhmatova, a founder of the Acmeist school of poetry, and a prominent figure in the modern poetry scene in St. Petersburg-cum-Leningrad. He traveled widely in his youth, to places such as France, Italy, and Africa, and was recognized for his bravery after volunteering to serve on the front in World War One. In 1921 he was arrested by the Cheka for alleged participation in the Tagantsev affair and executed by firing squad. (6/2010)