Exploring the influence of Vladimir Odoevsky, this collection highlights four of his stories that pave the way for modern fiction. It delves into various genres, including the artistic narrative, the emergence of science fiction, elements of the detective story, and the theme of confession in novels. Each story showcases Odoevsky's contributions to literary pathways that later writers would expand upon, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of narrative forms.
This is the first book to offer a comprehensive survey of the phenomenon of the absurd in a full literary context (that is to say, primarily in fiction, as well as in theatre). -- .
Vladimir Odoevsky emerges as a pivotal figure in 19th-century Russian literature, often compared to Pushkin and Gogol. Renowned for his diverse roles as a thinker, pedagogue, and musicologist, he is gaining recognition for his contributions to Romantic and Gothic fiction. The author, an expert on Odoevsky, explores his significant impact on Russian prose, highlighting his innovative take on Romanticism, Gothic novellas, and early science fiction, along with the evolution of his critical reception over time.