Stravaging "Strange"

Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky was a Russian writer who was virtually unknown during his lifetime and unpublishable under Stalin. This book presents three tales that encapsulate his gift for creating philosophical, satirical, and lyrical phantasmagorias. It also includes excerpts from his notebooks and reminiscences of him by his lifelong companion, Anna Bovshek.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky, a renowned Russian author, once pondered, “I am not in good terms with the present day, but posterity loves me.” During his lifetime, he remained virtually unknown and his works were unpublishable under Stalin's regime. However, in the present day, he is being compared to literary giants such as Beckett, Borges, Gogol, and Swift. This book presents three captivating tales that showcase Krzhizhanovsky's remarkable ability to create philosophical, satirical, and lyrical phantasmagorias.

In the first story titled “Stravaging ‘Strange,’” we embark on a darkly comic adventure with an apprentice magus named Sigizmund. Driven by his love for a young lady, he consumes a magic tincture that shrinks him to the size of a dust mote. Along his journey, he encounters a talkative king of hearts, a gallant flea, a coven of vindictive house imps, and his romantic rival. The story culminates in a cinematic finale.

The second story, “Catastrophe,” takes a satirical twist on Kant's philosophy. An old sage decides to extract the essence from all things and beings in an attempt to understand reality. However, his ruthless pursuit leads to chaos and unintended consequences.

The third story, “Material for a Life of Gorgis Katafalaki,” is set in various cities such as Berlin, Paris, London, and Moscow. It follows the absurd trials of an otherworldly outsider with an uncertain nationality and profession. Despite his boundless curiosity and lack of means, he embarks on a quest to explore the world.

This book also includes excerpts from Krzhizhanovsky's notebooks, offering a glimpse into his worldview, moods, humor, and writing methods. Additionally, Anna Bovshek, Krzhizhanovsky's lifelong companion, shares reminiscences of him, beginning with their first meeting in Kiev in 1920 and ending with his death in Moscow in 1950.

Krzhizhanovsky's legacy continues to grow, and his works are being rediscovered and celebrated worldwide. His unique blend of philosophy, satire, and lyricism has left an indelible mark on literature, and his stories continue to captivate readers with their imaginative and thought-provoking nature.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 147 x 225 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231199469