Former students of the Riga Polytechnicum and Riga Polytechnic Institute (1862–1919) – literary workers

Abstract

The authors of the article have gathered literary works of poets and writers – former students of Riga Polytechnicum (RP) and Riga Polytechnic institute (RPI), and have characterized them. Several Latvian and foreign literary workers have studied at the institute. Only six of them – Alfrēds Andersons, Jānis Bergs, Rihards Ērglis, Ernests Eferts, Jānis Miķelsons and Arvīds Valdmanis – received diplomas in engineering after graduating from Departments of Engineering, Commerce and Agriculture. A. Valdmanis has written course books and literary works. Latvian poet Jānis Poruks and Russian writer Mihail Prishvin (Михаил Михаилович Пришвин) have also studied at the institute, but just like few others did not become engineers and are known due to their achievements in literature. RPI graduate admiral Teodors Spāde also wrote poems.