The Origins of Russian Literary Theory: Folklore, Philology, Form

Russian Formalism is widely considered the foundation of modern literary theory, but this book reevaluates it in light of the current commitment to rethink the concept of literary form in cultural-historical terms. Jessica Merrill provides a novel reconstruction of the intellectual historical context that enabled the emergence of Formalism in the 1910s, highlighting the aspects of its legacy that speak to the priorities of twenty-first-century literary studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Northwestern University Press

Russian Formalism, widely regarded as the cornerstone of modern literary theory, has undergone a fresh examination in this book, considering its relevance in the context of reevaluating the concept of literary form within cultural-historical perspectives. In her insightful contribution, Jessica Merrill offers a novel reconstruction of the intellectual historical backdrop that paved the way for the emergence of Formalism in the 1910s. The Formalists embraced a philosophical framework known as the philological paradigm, which amalgamated language, literature, and folklore into a unified realm of verbal tradition. For those who subscribed to this perspective, verbal tradition was considered an inseparable part of cultural history.

Merrill's work situates early literary theories within this philological paradigm, unveiling neglected pathways in the discipline's history. It sheds light on ideas that were marginalized by the structuralist and post-structuralist accounts that emerged after World War II. The book delves into lost Formalist theories of authorship, the psychology of narrative structure, and the social dissemination of poetic innovations. These theories posit that literary form is invariably shaped by the interplay of human psychology and cultural history. By re-contextualizing Russian Formalism within this philological framework, the book underscores the enduring aspects of Formalism's legacy that resonate with the contemporary concerns of literary studies.

Through this comprehensive exploration, The Origins of Russian Literary Theory provides valuable insights into the historical roots of Formalism and its enduring influence on literary theory and criticism. It serves as a reminder of the importance of reexamining foundational concepts and exploring alternative perspectives to enrich our understanding of literature and its role in shaping cultural heritage.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780810144903