History of Modern Russian Literature

Author: Mark Slonim (USA) & Tang Xinmei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-08-01
Features: The main purpose of this book is to narrate and analyze the evolution of Russian literature from Chekhov to post-WWII over six decades. However, the author argues that to understand the literature of an era, one must also gain some insight into the development of art and culture during that time. Therefore, Slonim, in this book, not only analyzes the achievements and value of Russian writers during this period but also provides detailed insights into the artistic trends represented by these writers, as well as the political, social, and cultural contexts of the time. Additionally, the book discusses philosophy, religion, and social issues that reflect the national spirit and lifestyle. Thus, while the book focuses on literary history, it can also be read as a history of modern Russian culture. Although the author holds differing views on the proletarian literature after the October Revolution and some of the arguments in the book are not entirely accurate, the author maintains a relatively objective stance in describing Russian and Soviet literature during this period and offers serious evaluations.