Worlds Apart: An Anthology of Russian Fantasy and Science Fiction

About this book

A constant thread woven throughout the history of Russian literature is that of fantasy and an escape from the bounds of realism. Worlds Apart is the first single-volume anthology that explores this fascinating and dominant theme of Russian literature--from its origins in the provincial folk tale through its emergence in the Romantic period in the tales of Pushkin Lermontov and Turgenev to its contemporary incarnation under the clouds of authoritarianism revolution mechanization and modernization--with all-new translations of the key literary masterpieces that reveal the depth and ingenuity of the Russian imagination as it evolved over a period of tumultuous political social and technological upheaval. Alexander Levitsky perhaps the worlds foremost expert on this genre has selected and provided engaging and informative introductions to the selections that simultaneously represent the works of Russias best authors and reveal the dominant themes of her history. The authors range from familiar figures--Pushkin Lermontov Turgenev Gogol Dostoevsky Bulgakov and Bely--to writers practically unknown outside the Slavic world such as Derzhavin Bulgarin Kuprin and Pilniak. Worlds Apart is an awe-provoking anthology with a compelling appeal both to the fantasy enthusiast and anyone with an abiding interest in Russian history and culture.