A History of Russian Literature: From Its Beginnings to 1900

by D.S. Mirsky, Francis J. Whitfield (Editor)

Russian literature has always been inseparably linked to Russian history. D. S. Mirsky, in dealing with this fact, constantly keeps in mind the ever colorful and changing aspects of the one in discussing the other. With a keen and penetrating sense of values, fortified by a style sharp enough to carry every nuance of his meaning, he explores one of the most complex and fascinating literatures of the world. Sound in judgment, luminescent, and exquisitely written, Mirsky's work is essential reading for anyone interested in Russian literature.

A History of Russian Literature: From Its Beginnings to 1900 contains all of the author's A History of Russian Literature and the first two chapters of his Contemporary Russian Literature. This single volume covers the beginning of Russian fiction, the Age of Classicism, the Age of Gogol, and the poets, journalists, novelists, and playwrights of the Age of Realism.

Genres: History, Russian Literature, Nonfiction, Literary Criticism, Russia, Literature, Russian History

406 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1926

About the author

Dmitry Petrovich Svyatopolk-Mirsky, better known as D.S. Mirsky, was a Russian political and literary historian who promoted the knowledge and translations of Russian literature in Britain and of English literature in the Soviet Union. He wrote one of the most comprehensive histories of Russian literature.

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short biographies, social and political settings, insightful assessments, and plenty of bon mots.

[Andrew Schirmer]

Mirsky is a brilliant starting point for any journey into Russian literature up to the 1917 Revolution. Wonderfully lucid, opinionated, evenhanded. Want to get an idea on a semi-obscure 19th century poet? Or even a great evaluation of Dostoyevsky you can quote at a party? Don't go to Wikipedia--pay a visit to the Prince.

[Martin Adamian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eminently readable and compact literary history, consisting of Mirsky's "A History of Russian Literature: From Its Beginnings to 1880" and the first two chapters of his "Contemporary Russian Literature". Mirsky's elegant and gripping style is one of the most attractive parts of the work (all the more impressive since English was not his native language). While I am in no position to judge his critical assessments in most cases, he gives the impression of a fair and insightful critic. The section on Pushkin stands out for its sophistication, and his description of Dostoevsky's oeuvre is striking and even disturbing. I suspect that readers with varying levels of familiarity with Russian literature will have much to learn from this book, despite its age.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book ever written on Russian literature. Published I believe in the 1930s by the exiled Mirsky. I found a decent hardcover from the 1950s at The Strand in 2002, but just picked up a paperback locally when I happened to see it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing...a great introduction. Leaned so much about some of my favorite writers and other key figures. If you wanna learn about Russian Lit, here's the place to start.

[Danılo Horă · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remains the best history of russian literature; and, considering the actual tendency on extreme division of intelectual labour, this is probably the last ever to be written entirely by the same author, being not a compilation of smaller histories, but a solid piece of criticism given by a "first hand" reader.

[Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books on the subject

[Alexander Shelemin · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty much the best book on history of Russian literature ever written

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book about Russian literature from the oldest days to Chekhov. Hands down.

[Jackson Cyril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mirsky is a fine reference point. He introduces the reader to many of the luminaries of Russian literature and places their works in context.

[Kate]

Northampton, MA
Fall 2003 (19th Cent Russian Lit)

[James Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely passages on Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, each first treated individually then compared against one another. Pages 315-350.

[Erica Dubovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, I did not read from cover to cover, but I did find what I read very helpful. This book makes an excellent reference source for anyone studying Russian Literature, particularly for the pre-Soviet era point of view.

[Autumn Kotsiuba · Rating 4 out of 5]

super interesting if you care about the culture. quite comprehensive.