Exotic Moscow under Western Eyes
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Academic Studies Press
Published:1st Mar '09
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This collection of essays on Turgenev, Goncharov, Conrad, Dostoevsky, Blok, Briusov, Gor’kii, Pasternak and Nabokov represents diverse voices but is also unified. One invariant is the recurring distinction between “culture” and “civilization” and the vision of Russia as the bearer of culture because it is “barbaric.” Another stance advocates the synthesis of “sense and sensibility” and the vision of “Apollo” and “Dionysus” creating a “civilized culture” together. Those voices that delight in the artificiality of civilization are complemented by those apprehensive of the dangers inherent in barbarism. This collection thus adds new perspectives to the much-debated opposition of vital Russia and a declining West, offering novel interpretations of classics from Oblomov to Lolita and The Idiot to Doctor Zhivago.
"Masing-Delic has brought to her readings and intertextual analyses an impressive knowledge of Russian literature and its cultural contexts, thereby opening up new perspectives. Her interpretations are grounded in the texts in such a way that the large historiosophic themes emerge naturally from her discussions rather than being theoretically imposed on them. She has admirably succeeded in combining literary interpretation with cultural history in mutually illuminating ways. Her boldly conceived and thoughtful study will be essential reading for specialists and will appeal to those interested in intertextuality, Russian literature, and cultural history." -- Diane Oenning Thompson, University of Cambridge * Slavic Review *
Thoughtful and nuanced original analyses on a set of topics of persistent importance within the Russian literary tradition. -- Elizabeth Skomp * Slavic and East European Review *
ISBN: 9781934843406
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 533g
264 pages