The Portable Twentieth-Century Russian Reader
By: Various
About This Book
Clarence Brown's marvelous collection introduces readers to the most resonant voices of twentieth-century Russia. It includes stories by Chekhov, Gorky, Bunin, Zamyatin, Babel, Nabokov, Solzhenitsyn, and Voinovich; excerpts from Andrei Bely's Petersburg, Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita, Boris Pasternak's Dr. Zhivago, and Sasha Solokov's A School for Fools; the complete text of Yuri Olesha's 1927 masterpiece Envy; and poetry by Alexander Blok, Anna Akhmatova, and Osip Mandelstam. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
AI Overview
Overview of "The Portable Twentieth-Century Russian Reader"
Editor and Introduction: The book "The Portable Twentieth-Century Russian Reader" is edited by Clarence Brown, a renowned scholar of Russian literature. The introduction and notes are also provided by Clarence Brown, offering a comprehensive guide to the selected texts.
Content: This collection introduces readers to the most resonant voices of twentieth-century Russian literature. It features a wide range of texts, including poetry, prose, and drama, showcasing the diversity and richness of Russian literary expression during the 20th century. The book is designed to be portable and accessible, making it an excellent resource for both scholars and general readers interested in Russian literature.
Key Themes: The book covers various themes that were central to Russian literature during the 20th century, such as:
- Revolution and Social Change: Texts that reflect the impact of the Russian Revolution and subsequent social changes.
- War and Trauma: Works that address the experiences of World War I and World War II.
- Existentialism and Philosophy: Pieces that explore existential and philosophical ideas.
- Literary Movements: Representations of various literary movements, including Futurism, Symbolism, and Socialist Realism.
Plot Summary: Given the anthology nature of the book, there is no single narrative thread. Instead, it presents a collection of excerpts and complete works by notable Russian authors such as:
- Andrei Bely
- Vladimir Mayakovsky
- Anna Akhmatova
- Mikhail Bulgakov
- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Each selection provides a glimpse into the lives, thoughts, and experiences of these authors, offering a broad understanding of the cultural and literary landscape of Russia during the 20th century.
Critical Reception: While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book is generally praised for its comprehensive and accessible introduction to twentieth-century Russian literature. The collection is seen as a valuable resource for both scholars and readers looking to explore the rich literary heritage of Russia during this period.
In summary, "The Portable Twentieth-Century Russian Reader" is a meticulously curated anthology that offers a diverse and engaging look at the most significant voices in Russian literature from the 20th century. Its comprehensive introduction and notes by Clarence Brown make it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in this period of literary history.