Ivan Alexandrovich Goncharov (18 June [O.S. 6 June] 1812 - 27 September [O.S. 15 September] 1891) was a Russian novelist best known for his novels A Common Story (1847), Oblomov (1859), and The Precipice (1869). He also served in many official capacities, including the position of censor. (wikipedia.org)