Nightingale Fever: Russian Poets in Revolution

This book explores the lives and works of four Russian poets during the Stalin era, highlighting their struggles for survival and their dedication to their art. It examines their relationships with each other, their influences, and their resistance to the Stalinist regime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book, originally published in 1981, delves into the profound and tragic lives of four renowned Russian poets of the twentieth century. It explores their unwavering dedication to their art amidst the oppressive Stalin years, showcasing their resilience and courage in the face of considerable personal danger. Through the interweaving of the stories of Anna Akhmatova, Osip Mandelstam, Boris Pasternak, and Marina Tsvetayeva, the esteemed Russian scholar Ronald Hingley intricately traces their educational backgrounds, the literary schools and traditions they were associated with, the profound impact of World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution on their work, and the emergence of their distinct and diverse artistic styles. He delves into the intricate dynamics of their relationships, examining how they influenced and affected each other as colleagues, critics, rivals, friends, and lovers. As their fates became increasingly intertwined with the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, they found solace and refuge in each other, forming a bond that would endure through the trials and tribulations. This book serves as a poignant testament to the historic conflict between artists and political authority, shedding light on the tumultuous relationship between these creative individuals and the Stalinist totalitarian regime that sought to destroy them. Ronald Hingley's masterful narrative and exquisite translations of numerous significant poems provide a haunting account of artistic achievement and heroic resistance, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367753344