Selected Russian Prose of a Century

Author: Zhang Youping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Searching for Russian prose on the historical timeline, it is difficult to say how long its tradition has been. However, it is astonishing that over hundreds of years of transformation, Russian prose has consistently maintained an unbroken historical lineage. Russian prose is such an inclusive genre: regardless of the author's identity, age gap, time period, or stylistic differences, they collectively showcase the temperament, soul, language, and character of Russia—"like a landscape painting reflected on the convex surface of optical glass," pure, clear, and beautiful. The series is titled "A Hundred Years," but it is not limited to Russia's hundred years of literature. Instead, it refers to over a hundred years since China began to accept and spread Russian literature. Therefore, the writers included range from the literary giants of the 19th century to the deeply influential Soviet writers, and more importantly, they also include outstanding writers who went into exile abroad or were suppressed domestically. They are divided into the Novel Volume and the Prose Volume. The translators are all renowned experts in Russian literature translation in China, and each article is followed by expert commentaries. These works, whether sorrowful, melancholic, or surreal, vary in themes and styles, yet they are all perfect combinations of profound thought and exquisite art.
Russian literature has a history of hundreds of years, producing countless literary giants and masters. In early Russian society, the social structure was stagnant, and literature long remained in the position of an apprentice to Western Europe. However, starting from Pushkin in the 19th century, Russian literature began to break free from mere imitation, focusing on expressing the national characteristics of Russia. In terms of art, it gradually revealed distinctive traits different from those of Western Europe. Gogol pioneered the Russian Realist school—"Naturalism," and under his influence, a large number of writers emerged. Turgenev, with his exceptional artistry, first gained recognition from the European literary world and became a bridge for literary exchange between Russia and Western Europe. Later, Dostoevsky's profound insight into the human psyche shocked the world and was recognized by Western modernists as the pioneer. Tolstoy, with his noble moral values and extraordinary artistic expression, was revered as a literary giant and the "conscience of the world" even during his lifetime. Not to mention Chekhov, the founder of modern drama, Gorky, the founder of Soviet literature, Zamyatin, who wrote a dystopian novel, and Bulgakov, who created a masterpiece of magical realism decades ahead of Latin American literature. They left behind brilliant works that will be remembered for generations.
The literary exchange between China and Russia also has a history of over a hundred years, with numerous renowned works translated. These works have not only deepened our understanding of our great neighbor but have also become an important resource for cultural renewal in China, playing a role that no other literature can match. Mr. Lu Xun once said in "Celebrating the Sino-Russian Literary Exchange," "Russian literature is our teacher and friend." On this occasion of the China-Russia Friendship Cultural Year, we feel it is even more necessary to introduce the great literary achievements of our northern neighbor to a broader audience, promoting cultural exchange between China and Russia.
The series is titled "A Hundred Years," but it is not limited to Russia's recent hundred years of literature. Instead, it refers to over a hundred years since China began to accept and spread Russian literature. Therefore, the writers included range from the literary giants of the 19th century to the deeply influential Soviet writers, and more importantly, they also include outstanding writers who went into exile abroad or were suppressed domestically. Due to space constraints, the final selection includes twenty novels and forty-nine essays, divided into the Novel Volume and the Prose Volume. The translators are all renowned experts in Russian literature translation in China, and each article is followed by expert introductions and commentaries. These works, whether sorrowful, melancholic, or surreal, vary in themes and styles, yet they are all perfect combinations of profound thought and exquisite art.
This book selects classic works of Russian prose from the past hundred years, covering the representative works of almost all famous Russian writers from that period. They are reorganized under four themes: "Russian Charm," "Reflections on Life," "Literary Portraits," and "Fleeting Memories," allowing readers to revisit the brilliance and classics of Russia.