Academic Studies Press Andrei Siniavskii: A Hero of His Time? (Studies in Russian and Slavic Literatures, Cultures, and History)

Product Description This groundbreaking critical biography of Andrei Siniavskii (1925-1997) as a writer in and of his time shows how this subtle and complex author found his way in a society polarised into heroes and villains, patriots and traitors, how he progressed from identification with the value system and ideology of his time to reaction against it, and his dissidence expressed in literary terms. Based on a close reading of his work, <em>Andrei Siniavskii: A Hero of his Time? </em>explores the way in which Siniavskii’s art does not simply reflect the circumstances of his life and times but is actively shaped by an intricate commerce between the two. Review “A remarkable achievement . . . The most dramatic episodes in Siniavskii’s biography are skillfully juxtaposed against the decisive moments of the 20th century in Russia. Written in a dynamic and engaging way, A Hero of His Time provides fresh perspective on Siniavskii’s legacy by illuminating crucial concepts that informed his politics and poetics.” -- Maria Rubins, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College, London Reviewers sometimes come across a very stimulating and rewarding book only years after its publication. The title finally being ‘noticed’ in this periodical is a good example. … This detailed and perceptive study, nearly everywhere extremely well written, takes its readers in four chapters through the four periods of Siniavskii’s life as a writer: pre-arrest; deprivation of physical freedom; émigré years, spent mainly in France; and post-Soviet or neo-Soviet experiences and his culminating works. … Markesinis comments politely on all the important earlier publications about Siniavskii and has something important to say about each of his works. -- Martin Dewhirst ― SEER About the Author <strong>Eugenie Markesinis</strong> received her PhD from University College, London, in 2010.