Napoleon in the Russian Imaginary

Napoleon in the Russian Imaginary PDF Author: Gary Rosenshield
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1666925233
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 245

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Book Description
Napoleon today is still a figure who fascinates both his admirers and detractors because of his seminal role in European history at the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth centuries, straddling the French Revolution and the enormous empire that he fashioned through military conquest. Napoleon in the Russian Imaginary focuses on the response of Russia's greatest writers—poets, novelists, critics, and historians—to the idea of "Great Man" as an agent of transformational change as it manifests itself in the person and career of Napoleon. After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815 and his subsequent exile to St. Helena, in much of Europe a re-evaluation of Napoleon's person, stature, and historical significance occurred, as thinkers and writers witnessed the gradual reestablishment of repressive regimes throughout Europe. This re-evaluation in Russia would have to wait until Napoleon's death in 1821, but when it came to pass, it continued to occupy the imagination of Russia's greatest writers for over 130 years. Although Napoleon's invasion of Russia and subsequent defeat had a profound effect on Russian culture and Russian history, for Russian writers what was most important was the universal significance of Napoleon’s desire for world conquest and the idea of unbridled ambition which he embodied. Russian writers saw this, for good or ill, as potentially determining the spiritual and moral fate of future generations. What is particularly fascinating is their attempt to confront each other about this idea in a creative dialogue, with each succeeding writer addressing himself and responding to his predecessor and predecessors.

Napoleon in the Russian Imaginary

Napoleon in the Russian Imaginary PDF Author: Gary Rosenshield
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1666925233
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 245

Get Book Here

Book Description
Napoleon today is still a figure who fascinates both his admirers and detractors because of his seminal role in European history at the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth centuries, straddling the French Revolution and the enormous empire that he fashioned through military conquest. Napoleon in the Russian Imaginary focuses on the response of Russia's greatest writers—poets, novelists, critics, and historians—to the idea of "Great Man" as an agent of transformational change as it manifests itself in the person and career of Napoleon. After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815 and his subsequent exile to St. Helena, in much of Europe a re-evaluation of Napoleon's person, stature, and historical significance occurred, as thinkers and writers witnessed the gradual reestablishment of repressive regimes throughout Europe. This re-evaluation in Russia would have to wait until Napoleon's death in 1821, but when it came to pass, it continued to occupy the imagination of Russia's greatest writers for over 130 years. Although Napoleon's invasion of Russia and subsequent defeat had a profound effect on Russian culture and Russian history, for Russian writers what was most important was the universal significance of Napoleon’s desire for world conquest and the idea of unbridled ambition which he embodied. Russian writers saw this, for good or ill, as potentially determining the spiritual and moral fate of future generations. What is particularly fascinating is their attempt to confront each other about this idea in a creative dialogue, with each succeeding writer addressing himself and responding to his predecessor and predecessors.

Russia Against Napoleon

Russia Against Napoleon PDF Author: Dominic Lieven
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 0141947446
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 952

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Book Description
'A compulsive page-turner ... a triumph of brilliant storytelling ... an instant classic that is an awesome, remarkable and exuberant achievement' Simon Sebag Montefiore Winner of the Wolfson History Prize and shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize In the summer of 1812 Napoleon, the master of Europe, marched into Russia with the largest army ever assembled, confident that he would sweep everything before him. Yet less than two years later his empire lay in ruins, and Russia had triumphed. This is the first history to explore in depth Russia's crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars, re-creating the epic battle between two empires as never before. Dominic Lieven writes with great panache and insight to describe from the Russians' viewpoint how they went from retreat, defeat and the burning of Moscow to becoming the new liberators of Europe; the consequences of which could not have been more important. Ultimately this book shows, memorably and brilliantly, Russia embarking on its strange, central role in Europe's existence, as both threat and protector - a role that continues, in all its complexity, into our own lifetimes.

The Myth of the Non-Russian

The Myth of the Non-Russian PDF Author: Erika Haber
Publisher: Lexington Books
ISBN: 9780739105313
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 190

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Book Description
Erika Haber's analysis of the interplay between literature and culture in the Soviet Union of the 1970s and 1980s breaks new ground not only in our understanding of this relationship, but also in our appreciation of the literary genre popularized at that time by the Colombian writer Gabriel Garc a M rquez--magical realism. The Soviets perceived Garc a M rquez as a Socialist, and they sanctioned his magical realism--when other writing styles were outlawed--as a natural extension of socialist realism. Haber discusses the use of magical realism in Soviet literature, focusing especially on two non-Slavic writers: Fasil Iskander, of Abkhazia, and Chingiz Aitmatov, of Kyrgyzstan. She explores how these writers used literary tools of subversion and successfully employed magical realism in rebellion against the prescription of national conformity in art. In critical readings of Iskander and Aitmatov, Haber demonstrates how these writers juxtaposed their native myth with Soviet myth, thus undermining the primary message of socialist realism by suggesting a plurality of worlds and truths.

Literary Biographies in The Lives of Remarkable People Series in Russia

Literary Biographies in The Lives of Remarkable People Series in Russia PDF Author: Carol Ueland
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1793618305
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 351

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Book Description
The legendary Russian biography series, The Lives of Remarkable People, has played a significant role in Russian culture from its inception in 1890 until today. The longest running biography series in world literature, it spans three centuries and widely divergent political and cultural epochs: Imperial, Soviet, and Post-Soviet Russia. The authors argue that the treatment of biographical figures in the series is a case study for continuities and changes in Russian national identity over time. Biography in Russia and elsewhere remains a most influential literary genre and the distinctive approach and branding of the series has made it the economic engine of its publisher, Molodaia gvardiia. The centrality of biographies of major literary figures in the series reflects their heightened importance in Russian culture. The contributors examine the ways that biographies of Russia's foremost writers shaped the literary canon while mirroring the political and social realities of both the subjects’ and their biographers' times. Starting with Alexander Pushkin and ending with Joseph Brodsky, the authors analyze the interplay of research and imagination in biographical narrative, the changing perceptions of what constitutes literary greatness, and the subversive possibilities of biography during eras of political censorship.

Revisiting Russian Radicals

Revisiting Russian Radicals PDF Author: Andrew M. Drozd
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1666944793
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 327

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Book Description
Revisiting Russian Radicals is a collection of ten articles that seeks to promote a revisitation of the Russian Radicals who have been somewhat unjustly forgotten in the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union. Rather than viewing the radicals through the lens of the 1917 October Revolution, the authors seek to analyze them on their own terms and explore new aspects of their legacy. The chapters provide a fresh look at some well-known radicals like Chernyshevsky, Dobrolyubov, and Pisarev as well as examinations of lesser-known figures, and offer an interdisciplinary approach to their investigations, combining historical and literary analysis. A lengthy introduction is included for those who are non-Slavists, and for the newer generation of Slavists who may not be as familiar with these figures.

Connections and Influence in the Russian and American Short Story

Connections and Influence in the Russian and American Short Story PDF Author: Jeff Birkenstein
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1793629897
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 319

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Book Description
In Connections and Influence in the Russian and American Short Story, editors Robert C. Hauhart and Jeff Birkenstein have assembled a collection of eighteen original essays written by literary critics from around the globe. Collectively, these critics argue that the reciprocal influence between Russian and American writers is integral to the development of the short story in each country as well as vital to the global status the contemporary short story has attained. This collection provides original analyses of both well-known Russian and American stories as well as some that might be more unfamiliar. Each essay is purposely crafted to display an appreciation of the techniques, subject matter, themes, and approaches that both Russian and American short story writers explored across borders and time. Stories by Gogol, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Chekhov, and Krzhizhanovsky as well as short stories by Washington Irving, Faulkner, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Ursula Le Guin, Raymond Carver, and Joyce Carol Oates populate this essential, multivalent collection. Perhaps more important now than at any time since the end of the Cold War, these essays will remind readers how much Russian and American culture share, as well as the extent to which their respective literatures are deeply intertwined.

"1812" - Napoleon I in Russia

Author: Vasilïĭ Vasilʹevich Vereshchagin
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 249

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Book Description
Vasilï- Vasil1evich Vereshchagin's '1812 - Napoleon I in Russia' is a gripping account of Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812. Vereshchagin's meticulous attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring to life the harrowing experiences of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and tension, capturing the devastating consequences of Napoleon's ambitious campaign. The book is a classic example of historical fiction, blending factual events with the author's imaginative interpretations. Vereshchagin's realistic portrayal of war and its aftermath resonates with readers long after the final page is turned. Vasilï- Vasil1evich Vereshchagin, a Russian painter and writer, draws upon his background in military history to craft a compelling narrative that sheds light on a pivotal moment in European history. His firsthand knowledge of warfare and keen eye for historical accuracy elevate '1812 - Napoleon I in Russia' to a work of art that transcends mere storytelling. For history enthusiasts and fans of military fiction, '1812 - Napoleon I in Russia' is a must-read. Vereshchagin's masterful storytelling and deep understanding of the period make this book a valuable addition to any library, offering a unique perspective on one of the most significant conflicts of the 19th century.

"1812"

Author: Vasiliĭ Vasilʹevich Vereshchagin
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
The following pages are not offered to the reader as a history of the invasion of Russia by Napoleon. They are but the statement of the basis of observation on which M. Verestchagin has founded his great series of pictures illustrative of the campaign. These pictures are now to be exhibited in this country, and the painter has naturally desired to show us from what point of view he has approached the study of his subject-one of the greatest subjects in the whole range of history-especially for a Russian artist. The point of view is-inevitably in his case-that of the Realist; and this consideration gives unity to the conception of his whole career and endeavour. He has ever painted war as it is, and therefore in its horrors, as one of its effects, though not necessarily as an effect sought in and for itself. He has tried to be "true" in all his representations of the battle-field. His work may thus be said to constitute a powerful plea in support of the Tsar's Rescript to the Nations in favour of peace. My meaning will be best illustrated by a short sketch of M. Verestchagin and his work, as painter, as soldier, and as traveller.

Chekhov's Letters

Chekhov's Letters PDF Author: Carol Apollonio
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1498570453
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 369

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Book Description
Of the thirty volumes in the authoritative Academy edition of Chekhov's collected works, fully twelve are devoted to the writer's letters. This is the first book in English or Russian addressing this substantial—though until now neglected—epistolary corpus. The majority of the essays gathered here represent new contributions by the world's major Chekhov scholars, written especially for this volume, or classics of Russian criticism appearing in English for the first time. The introduction addresses the role of letters in Chekhov's life and characterizes the writer's key epistolary concerns. After a series of essays addressing publication history, translation, and problems of censorship, scholars analyze the letters' generic qualities that draw upon, variously, prose, poetry, and drama. Individual thematic studies focus on the letters as documents reflecting biographical, cultural, and philosophical issues. The book culminates in a collection of short, at times lyrical, essays by eminent scholars and writers addressing a particularly memorable Chekhov letter. Chekhov's Letters appeals to scholars, writers, and theater professionals, as well to a general audience.

Russian Literature and Cognitive Science

Russian Literature and Cognitive Science PDF Author: Tom Dolack
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1666941700
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 309

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Book Description
Russian Literature and Cognitive Science applies the newest insights from cognitive psychology to the study of Russian literature. Chapters focus on writers and cultural figures from the Golden to the Internet Age including: Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Sologub, Bely, Akhmatova, Nabokov, Baranskaya, and contemporary online discourse. The authors draw on a wide array of cognitively-informed fields within psychology and related disciplines and approaches such as social psychology, visual processing, conceptual blending, cognitive narratology, the study of autism, cognitive approaches to creativity, the medical humanities, reader reception theory, cognitive anthropology, psychopathology, psychoanalysis, Theory of Mind, visual processing, embodied cognition, and predictive processing. This volume demonstrates how useful a tool cognitive science is for the analysis of literary texts.