Author. Born in Oryol, Russia, he studied law at the universities of St. Petersburg and Moscow, but quickly abandoned the legal profession for a literary career. He was mentored by Maxim Gorky,  who helped get his first collection of stories published in 1901,  but their friendship later ended because of opposing political views.  Andreyev’s writing is marked by a brooding tone and deep pessimism.  His best known works are the novel “The Seven Who Were Hanged” (1909),  and the play “He Who Gets Slapped” (1915),  which was made into an American film starring Lon Chaney in 1924.  After the October 1917 revolution Andreyev exiled himself to Finland,  where he died.  In his last book,  “S. O. S.” (1919),  he appealed to the West to save Russia from the Bolsheviks.   (bio by: Bobb Edwards)  Family links:  Spouse:  Alexandra Mikhaylovna Veligorskaya (____ – 1906)*  Children:  Vadim Leonidovich Andreyev (1903 – 1976)*  Daniil Leonidovich Andreyev (1906 – 1959)*  Valentin Leonidovich Andreyev (1912 – 1988)* *Calculated relationship