Literary Biographies in The Lives of Remarkable People Series in Russia: Biography for the Masses

The Lives of Remarkable People is a Russian biography series that spans three centuries and explores the continuities and changes in Russian national identity. It examines the interplay of research and imagination in biographical narrative, the changing perceptions of literary greatness, and the subversive possibilities of biography during eras of political censorship.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Lives of Remarkable People, a legendary Russian biography series, has left an indelible mark on Russian culture since its inception in 1890. As the longest-running biography series in world literature, it spans three centuries and encompasses the diverse political and cultural epochs of Imperial, Soviet, and Post-Soviet Russia. The series' authors argue that the treatment of biographical figures within the series serves as a valuable case study for observing continuities and changes in Russian national identity throughout history.

While the genre of biography remains highly influential in Russia and beyond, it is the unique approach and branding of The Lives of Remarkable People that have propelled its publisher, Molodaia gvardiia, to economic success. The series' focus on biographies of prominent literary figures highlights their immense importance in Russian culture. The contributors to the series delve into the ways in which the biographies of Russia's foremost writers have shaped the literary canon while simultaneously mirroring the political and social realities of both the subjects and their biographers during different periods.

Beginning with the legendary Alexander Pushkin and concluding with the renowned Joseph Brodsky, the authors examine the intricate interplay between research and imagination in biographical narrative. They explore the shifting perceptions of what constitutes literary greatness and the subversive possibilities of biography in times of political censorship. Through their insightful analysis, The Lives of Remarkable People offers a profound exploration of the human experience, shedding light on the complexities of identity, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793618290