Kapralov was first and foremost an artist. "Though he never attained any lasting fame, his works - which included abstract paintings, sculptures and constructions made of found materials - were featured in group shows alongside artists like William de Kooning and Franz Kline," writes the Villager.

Better known are his books, including the gothic novel Castle Dubrava, Devil's Midnight about the Russian Civil War, and Once there Was a Village.

Kapralov came to New York as a refugee of World War II from the Caucusus, then part of the Soviet Union.Yuri Kapralov died of a stroke on 27 August following a battle with liver disease.