English Literature and the Russian Aesthetic Renaissance

This 1998 study examines how Russian poets engaged with English literature from Romanticism to aestheticism, highlighting influences from figures like Shelley and Wilde, and exploring themes of national identity and comparative literary history.

English Literature and the Russian Aesthetic Renaissance is a scholarly exploration of how Russian poets engaged with English literature from the Romantic period to the aesthetic movement. Published in 1998, the book delves into the significant influence of English literary figures such as Shelley, Ruskin, Pater, Frazer, and Wilde on the Russian imagination during a time of remarkable creativity and cultural openness at the turn of the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. This era was marked by a heightened receptivity to foreign influences, particularly from English poetry and aesthetic thought, which played a crucial role in shaping Russian literary expression.

The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the intellectual context surrounding these literary interactions, highlighting common themes such as myth, folklore, anthropology, and the origins of language. By examining these connections, the book sheds light on how Russian poets incorporated and transformed English literary ideas to reflect their own cultural and national identity. This comparative approach not only enhances our understanding of the specific influences at play but also situates Russian literature within a broader framework of international literary discourse.

Furthermore, the book discusses the implications of these literary exchanges for the development of comparative literary history. It emphasizes the intricate relationship between national identity and literary influence, revealing how the reception of English literature contributed to the evolution of Russian aesthetic thought. Overall, English Literature and the Russian Aesthetic Renaissance offers valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between cultures and the transformative power of literature across borders.