Mimesis: The Analytic Anthropology of Literature

Valery Podoroga's Mimesis is a groundbreaking work that translates the work of Nikolai Gogol, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Andrei Bely into English. It identifies these authors as pioneers in creating an other literature that opposed the Imperial and national myths. Podoroga develops and elaborates his analytic anthropological approach on these authors, excavating the identities and forms of Russian literature and society. He emphasizes how a literary work is a process of world building, both internally and externally, and its ability to exist in a time that is other than its own. Mimesis is considered the masterwork of one of the world's leading literary thinkers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

Valery Podoroga, a prominent figure of his generation, emerges as a pivotal thinker in the realm of literature. His most renowned work, now translated into English for the first time, offers a comprehensive exploration of Russian writing, with a special emphasis on the works of Nikolai Gogol, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Andrei Bely. Podoroga recognizes these authors as trailblazers in the creation of a distinct form of literature, challenging the prevailing Imperial and national myths.

In his masterpiece, "Mimesis," Podoroga delves into a profound and intricate analytic anthropological approach, unveiling the rich identities and forms of Russian literature and society. He emphasizes the literary work as a dynamic process of world building, encompassing both the internal creation of a fictive realm and its reflection of the broader world in which it was produced. Podoroga further explores the profound impact of literature, emphasizing its ability to transcend time and exist in a realm that is other than its own. Despite lacking a contemporary reader and an author actively exercising their will, the literary work retains its significance and continues to resonate with meaning.

"Mimesis" is widely regarded as the crowning achievement of one of the foremost literary thinkers of our time, showcasing Podoroga's profound insights and intellectual prowess. Through his meticulous analysis, he has enriched our understanding of Russian literature and its enduring significance, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and engage readers worldwide.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 152 x 234 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786636676