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Medieval Russia\'s Epics, Chronicles And Tales
A superb anthology containing much material translated into English for the first time.
by Serge A. Zenkovsky
E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc., 1963, New York
CONDITION:
Solid and unmarked, reading wear.
ATTRIBUTES:
Paperback. No dust jacket.
DESCRIPTION:
This anthology, \"Medieval Russia\'s Epics, Chronicles, and Tales,\" offers a comprehensive collection of literary works from the 11th through the 17th century, a period often overlooked by those familiar with later Russian literary giants like Pushkin and Tolstoy. The book delves into the rich tapestry of early Russian thought, history, and culture, presenting over sixty selections that include historical narratives, sagas, and religious texts. Many of these works were translated into English for the first time in this pioneering volume, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the foundational elements of Russian literature and history.
The editor, Serge A. Zenkovsky (1907–1990), was a distinguished Russian historian and scholar who specialized in Eastern European and Central Asian history. Born in Kiev, he experienced the Russian Revolution and subsequently lived and studied in Europe before immigrating to the United States in 1949. Zenkovsky held academic positions at several American universities, including Indiana, Harvard, Stetson, Colorado, and Vanderbilt, and dedicated himself to the study of Medieval Russia. His extensive body of work includes over two hundred publications, and he is recognized for his significant contributions to Russian studies.
This anthology holds considerable historical and literary significance as it illuminates a crucial, yet often underexplored, era of Russian intellectual development. The medieval period in Russia saw the formation of Kievan Rus\', the adoption of Orthodox Christianity, the Mongol invasion, and the rise of Moscow as a central power, all of which profoundly shaped Russian identity and culture. For collectors, this book is particularly interesting due to its role in making previously inaccessible texts available to an English-speaking audience, offering a unique window into the literary traditions that predated and influenced the celebrated works of later Russian authors. It provides essential context for understanding the philosophical, religious, and social themes that are characteristic of Russian literature.
FLASHBACK TO 1963 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1963, the world was gripped by the Cold War, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy stunned America and the globe, and the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum with Martin Luther King Jr.\'s \"I Have a Dream\" speech. The Beatles released their debut album, \"Please Please Me,\" ushering in the British Invasion, while the first American woman, Valentina Tereshkova, orbited Earth, pushing the boundaries of space exploration. From New York to Berlin, a dynamic and tumultuous era was unfolding, marked by both profound tragedy and transformative progress.
Location: 01-02-01-1750
