{"product_id":"stravaging-strange-9780231199476","title":"Stravaging \"Strange\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eSigizmund 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. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 224 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 February 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Columbia University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSigizmund 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 talent for crafting philosophical, satirical, and lyrical phantasmagorias.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the second story titled “Catastrophe,” Krzhizhanovsky wryly parodies 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 destruction.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe third story titled “Material for a Life of Gorgis Katafalaki” takes us to Berlin, Paris, London, and Moscow, where we meet an otherworldly outsider of uncertain nationality and unfixed profession. With boundless curiosity but scant means, Gorgis embarks on absurd trials and experiences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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 the author, beginning with their first meeting in Kiev in 1920 and ending with his death in Moscow in 1950.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKrzhizhanovsky's legacy continues to grow, and his works are being rediscovered and celebrated by a new generation of readers. His unique blend of philosophy, satire, and lyricism has left an indelible mark on literature, and his stories continue to inspire and provoke thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 300g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 139 x 216 x 18 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780231199476\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44095569527034,"sku":"9780231199476","price":12.13,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1677841576418_book.jpg?v=1677918451","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/stravaging-strange-9780231199476","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}