How did Tsar Nicholas I censor Aleksandr Pushkin’s writing?

Upon Aleksandr Pushkin’s return from exile in 1826, Tsar Nicholas I personally assumed the role of the poet's censor, promising to oversee his work directly. In practice, this arrangement proved to be even more restrictive and exacting than the oversight provided by official state censors.1

Beyond this direct censorship, Pushkin’s personal freedom was significantly curtailed through the following measures:

• Police Surveillance: Pushkin was placed under secret observation by the police.1
• Direct Supervision: He was openly supervised by the chief of police, Count Benckendorf.1

This environment of state control and spiritual isolation created an invidious position for the author, forcing him to navigate a complex relationship with the autocracy while his genius continued to flourish.1