The Cambridge Introduction to Russian Poetry

by Michael Wachtel

• ISBN13: 9780521004930
• ISBN10: 0521004934
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-06
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The Cambridge Introduction to Russian Poetry presents the major themes, forms, genres and styles of Russian poetry. Using examples from Russia's greatest poets, Michael Wachtel draws on three centuries of verse, from the beginnings of secular literature in the eighteenth century up to the present day. The first half of the book is devoted to concepts such as versification, poetic language and tradition; the second half is organised along genre lines and examines the ode, the elegy, ballads, love poetry, nature poetry and patriotic verse. All poetry appears in the original followed by literal translations. This book is designed to give readers with even a minimal knowledge of the Russian language an appreciation of the brilliance of Russian poetry.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Note on translations and transliterations

Introduction

Part I. Concepts: 1. Versification: how to do things with words

2. Poetic language

3. Tradition and the individual talent

Part II. Interpretation: 4. From the ode to the elegy (and beyond)

5. The ballad

6. Love poetry

7. Nature poetry

8. Patriotic verse

Conclusion.