Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol (Russian:; IPA: ; Ukrainian: ) (April 1, 1809 – March 4, 1852) was a Ukrainian writer. He came from Ukraine. His early works were heavily influenced by his Ukrainian heritage and upbringing. He wrote in Russian. His works belong to the tradition of Russian literature. The novel "Dead Souls" (1842), the play "Revizor" (1836, 1842), and the short story "The Overcoat" (1842) count among his masterpieces.