Reading Darwin in Imperial Russia: Literature and Ideas

Reading Darwin in Imperial Russia: Literature and Ideas explores the cultural context and historical background of writings inspired by Darwin's ideas in Russia, spanning reverent, didactic, ironic, and sarcastic modes of interpretation. It examines the multi-faceted impact of Darwinism on Russian educated society, revealing distinct Russian concerns tied to the meaning and consequences of the challenge posed by Darwinism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Rewritten text:

Reading Darwin in Imperial Russia: Literature and Ideas delves into the intricate examination of earlier scholarship on Darwin's reception in Russia, seeking to unravel the rich cultural context and significant historical backdrop that shaped the writings inspired by Darwin's ideas. The journey begins with the initial Russian translation of The Origin of Species in 1864, which ignited the curiosity of educated Russians, leading to a diverse range of reactions. These reactions manifested in a multitude of published works, encompassing translations, critical reviews, opinion journalism, literary fiction, and polemical prose. The reception of Darwin encompassed a spectrum of interpretations, ranging from reverent admiration to skeptical skepticism to outright hostility.

This book explores the works of some of the most renowned authors of the second half of the nineteenth century, including Dostoevsky, Chernyshevsky, and Chekhov, as well as lesser-known or nearly forgotten figures such as Danilevsky, Timiriazev, Markevich, and Strakhov. By examining the multifaceted impact of Darwin's ideas on Russian educated society, the scholars in this volume shed light on the unique concerns and perspectives of these authors. While certain elements of Darwin's Russian reception shared similarities with other countries, each author revealed distinctly Russian concerns intertwined with the meaning and consequences of the challenge posed by Darwinism.

Through meticulous analysis and interpretation, the scholars in this volume demonstrate not only the textual content of the authors' works but also the underlying motivations and philosophical frameworks that shaped their unique perspectives. By delving into the intricate interplay between literature, ideas, and cultural context, Reading Darwin in Imperial Russia offers a profound exploration of the complex and multifaceted ways in which Darwin's ideas resonated in Russia, shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the late nineteenth century.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666920840