The Irony of the Ideal: Paradoxes of Russian Literature by Mikhail Epstein (Engl

by Mikhail Epstein

$114 · Offered by eBay · No longer available

The Nile on eBay FREE SHIPPING UK WIDE The Irony of the Ideal by Mikhail Epstein Explores the most tormenting problems of Russian literature in provocative engagements with its major authors, from Pushkin, Gogol and Dostoevsky to Nabokov, Platonov and postSoviet postmodernists. Focuses on the ironies and paradoxes that transform sublime ideals into their opposites and trigger the forces of evil and selfdestruction. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description This book explores the major paradoxes of Russian literature as a manifestation of both tragic and ironic contradictions of human nature and national character. Russian literature, from Pushkin and Gogol to Chekhov, Nabokov and to postmodernist writers, is studied as a holistic text that plays on the reversal of such opposites as being and nothingness, reality and simulation, and rationality and absurdity. The glorification of Mother Russia exposes her character as a witch; a little man is transformed into a Christ figure; consistent rationality betrays its inherent madness, and extreme verbosity produces the effect of silence. The greatest Russian writers were masters of spiritual selfdenial and artistic selfdestruction, which explains many paradoxes and unpredictable twists of Russian history up to our time. Table of Contents IntroductionPart I: The Titanic and the Demonic: Faust's Heirs1. Faust and Peter on the Seashore: From Goethe to Pushkina. Comparativistics and Typologyb. Toil and t

• Binding: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9781618116321
• Condition: Fine

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.