Contemporary Russian Novelists By: Serge Persky
Contemporary Russian Novelists by Serge Persky offers an in-depth exploration of the works and lives of some of the most influential Russian novelists of our time. Persky's comprehensive approach makes this book not only a valuable resource for scholars and students of Russian literature but also an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the genre. One of the book's strengths lies in its scope. Persky covers a wide range of contemporary Russian novelists, from well-known figures such as Vladimir Nabokov and Boris Pasternak to lesser-known writers like Tatyana Tolstaya and Andrei Makine. By including a diverse selection of authors, Persky provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the Russian literary landscape and its evolution over the years. The book is structured thematically, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of the novelists' work. This organization allows for a deeper exploration of the themes and techniques that define each writer's style. Whether delving into the symbolism in Nabokov's works or the political undertones in Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago, Persky provides insightful analysis that adds depth to the reading experience. Furthermore, Persky's writing style is accessible and engaging. He avoids unnecessary jargon, making the book accessible to both scholars and casual readers. The author's passion for Russian literature shines through his prose, creating an enthusiasm that is contagious. This passion, combined with his extensive knowledge, makes for a captivating and enlightening read. Another standout aspect of this book is the way Persky delves into the personal lives of the novelists. By providing biographical details and examining the influences that shaped their writing, he humanizes these literary giants, making their works more relatable to the reader. This approach adds a layer of complexity and makes the book a more personal and intimate exploration of the authors' lives and works. If there is one criticism of Contemporary Russian Novelists, it is the lack of inclusion of certain authors who have made significant contributions to the genre. While it is understandable that not all writers could be included, the exclusion of some notable figures, such as Boris Akunin and Ludmila Ulitskaya, is a missed opportunity. Overall, Contemporary Russian Novelists by Serge Persky is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian literature. Through his comprehensive approach, engaging writing style, and personal insights, Persky brings the world of contemporary Russian novelists to life. This book serves as an excellent introduction to both the well-known and lesser-known figures of the genre, offering a deeper understanding of their works and the cultural context in which they were created. First Page: CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN NOVELISTS Translated from the French of Serge Persky By FREDERICK EISEMANN JOHN W. LUCE AND COMPANY BOSTON 1913 Copyright, 1912 BY C. DELAGRAVE Copyright, 1913 BY L. E. BASSETT To THE MEMORY OF F. N. S. BY THE TRANSLATOR PREFACE The principal aim of this book is to give the reader a good general knowledge of Russian literature as it is to day. The author, Serge Persky, has subordinated purely critical material, because he wants his readers to form their own judgments and criticize for themselves. The element of literary criticism is not, however, by any means entirely lacking. In the original text, there is a thorough and exhaustive treatment of the "great prophet" of Russian literature Tolstoy but the translator has deemed it wise to omit this essay, because so much has recently been written about this great man. As the title of the book is "Contemporary Russian Novelists," the essay on Anton Tchekoff, who is no longer living, does not rightly belong here, but Tchekoff is such an important figure in modern Russian literature and has attracted so little attention from English writers that it seems advisable to retain the essay that treats of his work. Finally, let me express my sincerest thanks to Dr... Continue reading book >>

Contemporary Russian Novelists By: Serge Persky

Contemporary Russian Novelists by Serge Persky offers an in-depth exploration of the works and lives of some of the most influential Russian novelists of our time. Persky's comprehensive approach makes this book not only a valuable resource for scholars and students of Russian literature but also an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the genre.

One of the book's strengths lies in its scope. Persky covers a wide range of contemporary Russian novelists, from well-known figures such as Vladimir Nabokov and Boris Pasternak to lesser-known writers like Tatyana Tolstaya and Andrei Makine. By including a diverse selection of authors, Persky provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the Russian literary landscape and its evolution over the years.

The book is structured thematically, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of the novelists' work. This organization allows for a deeper exploration of the themes and techniques that define each writer's style. Whether delving into the symbolism in Nabokov's works or the political undertones in Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago, Persky provides insightful analysis that adds depth to the reading experience.

Furthermore, Persky's writing style is accessible and engaging. He avoids unnecessary jargon, making the book accessible to both scholars and casual readers. The author's passion for Russian literature shines through his prose, creating an enthusiasm that is contagious. This passion, combined with his extensive knowledge, makes for a captivating and enlightening read.

Another standout aspect of this book is the way Persky delves into the personal lives of the novelists. By providing biographical details and examining the influences that shaped their writing, he humanizes these literary giants, making their works more relatable to the reader. This approach adds a layer of complexity and makes the book a more personal and intimate exploration of the authors' lives and works.

If there is one criticism of Contemporary Russian Novelists, it is the lack of inclusion of certain authors who have made significant contributions to the genre. While it is understandable that not all writers could be included, the exclusion of some notable figures, such as Boris Akunin and Ludmila Ulitskaya, is a missed opportunity.

Overall, Contemporary Russian Novelists by Serge Persky is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian literature. Through his comprehensive approach, engaging writing style, and personal insights, Persky brings the world of contemporary Russian novelists to life. This book serves as an excellent introduction to both the well-known and lesser-known figures of the genre, offering a deeper understanding of their works and the cultural context in which they were created.

First Page:

CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN NOVELISTS

Translated from the French of Serge Persky By FREDERICK EISEMANN

JOHN W. LUCE AND COMPANY BOSTON 1913

To THE MEMORY OF F. N. S.

BY THE TRANSLATOR

PREFACE

The principal aim of this book is to give the reader a good general knowledge of Russian literature as it is to day. The author, Serge Persky, has subordinated purely critical material, because he wants his readers to form their own judgments and criticize for themselves. The element of literary criticism is not, however, by any means entirely lacking.

In the original text, there is a thorough and exhaustive treatment of the "great prophet" of Russian literature Tolstoy but the translator has deemed it wise to omit this essay, because so much has recently been written about this great man.

As the title of the book is "Contemporary Russian Novelists," the essay on Anton Tchekoff, who is no longer living, does not rightly belong here, but Tchekoff is such an important figure in modern Russian literature and has attracted so little attention from English writers that it seems advisable to retain the essay that treats of his work.

Finally, let me express my sincerest thanks to Dr... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Serge Persky
Wikipedia – Contemporary Russian Novelists

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