Medieval Russias Epics

First published in 1963, this unique and pioneering anthology has been continuously used as an invaluable text in Russian studies. Containing over sixty selections from the finest of Russia’s medieval authors, much of the material published in this anthology has never before been available in English. Medieval Russian Epics, Chronicles, and Tales is a vital resource for readers interested in learning more about the writings that influenced Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov. Editor Serge A. Zenkovsky completely revised the text and enlarged the book, adding almost one hundred pages of new material, including: · Sviatoslav’s Early Campaigns · The Siege of Kiev and Olga’s Death · Vladimir Monomakh: Instruction to His Children · Tale of the Life and Courage of the Pious and Great Prince Alexander · Narrative of the Pious Prince Dovmont and His Courage · The Writing of Daniil the Prisoner · Orison on the Life and Death of Grand Prince Dmitry Ivanovich · Afanasy Nikitin’s Journey Across Three Seas · Ivan Funikov: Message of a Nobleman to a Nobleman · Epic of Sukhan · Simeon Polotsky: Excerpt from Ode on the Birth of Peter I · Simeon Polotsky: The Law · Simeon Polotsky: The Merchant Class · Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich: The Rules of Falconry In addition to a comprehensive introduction, the editor has prefaced each selection with detailed information about its literary and historical background, and has included a glossary and brief chronology of Russian history and culture.

Anthology covering from the 11th through the 17th century, containing over sixty selections, many of which are translated into English for the first time.

Russia possesses one of the richest and most admired literatures of Europe, reaching back to the eleventh century. A History of Russian Literature provides a comprehensive account of Russian writing from its earliest origins in the monastic works of Kiev up to the present day, still rife with the creative experiments of post-Soviet literary life. The volume proceeds chronologically in five parts, extending from Kievan Rus' in the 11th century to the present day. The coverage strikes a balance between extensive overview and in-depth thematic focus. Parts are organized thematically in chapters, which a number of keywords that are important literary concepts that can serve as connecting motifs and 'case studies', in-depth discussions of writers, institutions, and texts that take the reader up close and personal. Visual material also underscores the interrelation of the word and image at a number of points, particularly significant in the medieval period and twentieth century. The History addresses major continuities and discontinuities in the history of Russian literature across all periods, and in particular brings out trans-historical features that contribute to the notion of a national literature. The volume's time range has the merit of identifying from the early modern period a vital set of national stereotypes and popular folklore about boundaries, space, Holy Russia, and the charismatic king that offers culturally relevant material to later writers. This volume delivers a fresh view on a series of key questions about Russia's literary history, by providing new mappings of literary history and a narrative that pursues key concepts (rather more than individual authorial careers). This holistic narrative underscores the ways in which context and text are densely woven in Russian literature, and demonstrates that the most exciting way to understand the canon and the development of tradition is through a discussion of the interrelation of major and minor figures, historical events and literary politics, literary theory and literary innovation.

A revised edition of the history of Russia from 980-1584.