The New Cambridge History of Russian Literature

Book excerpt: "The essential, authoritative new guide to Russian literature, this innovative volume considers literature's multiple parallel histories ranging from the medieval period to the internet age. With contributions from thirty-four world-leading scholars, it offers a fresh approach to literary history, not as one integral narrative but as multiple parallel histories. Each of its four strands tells a story of Russian literature according to a defined criterion: Movements, Mechanisms, Forms and Heroes. At the same time, six clusters of shorter themed essays suggest additional perspectives and criteria for further study and research. In dialogue, these histories invite a multiplicity of readings, both within and across the narrative strands. The open but easily navigable structure enables engagement with both traditional literary concerns and radical reconceptualisations of Russian culture"--