New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition: A Comprehensive Review

The publication of the New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition in 1969 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Russian literature. For the first time, a comprehensive collection of contemporary Russian poetry was made available to English-speaking readers, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic literary landscape of the Soviet era. This groundbreaking anthology brought together the voices of some of the most influential poets of the time, including Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Andrei Voznesensky, Bella Akhmadulina, and Bulat Okudzhava.

New Russian Poets: 1953 - 1968 (Bilingual Edition Book 1)

by Brie Tart

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12309 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	342 pages

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The Literary Landscape of the Soviet Era

The period from 1953 to 1968 was a transformative time in the Soviet Union. The death of Stalin in 1953 marked the beginning of a period of liberalization known as the Thaw, during which there was a loosening of censorship and a greater degree of openness in society. This period saw a flourishing of artistic and cultural expression, including the emergence of a new generation of poets who were eager to push the boundaries of literary convention.

The poets included in the New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition were part of this new wave of literary talent. They rejected the Socialist Realism that had dominated Soviet literature during the Stalin era and sought to explore new themes and styles. Their poetry often reflected the hopes and aspirations of a generation that had come of age after the horrors of war and was eager for change.

The Poets and Poems Included in the Anthology

The New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition includes a diverse range of poets, each with their own unique voice and style. Yevgeny Yevtushenko, one of the most prominent figures of the period, is represented by a selection of his most famous poems, including "Babi Yar" and "The Heirs of Stalin." Andrei Voznesensky, another leading poet of the era, contributes a number of his experimental and innovative works, such as "Oza" and "Hyperboloid of Engineer Garin."

Bella Akhmadulina, a poet known for her lyrical and introspective verse, is represented by a number of her most acclaimed poems, including "The Reed" and "The Secret." Bulat Okudzhava, a singer-songwriter as well as a poet, contributes a selection of his haunting and evocative songs, such as "Midnight Trolleybus" and "Song of the Blue Bird."

In addition to these poets, the anthology also includes works by a number of other important figures of the period, including Robert Rozhdestvensky, Andrei Voznesensky, and Joseph Brodsky. The collection offers a comprehensive overview of the different trends and styles that characterized Soviet poetry during the 1950s and 1960s.

The Impact of the New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition

The publication of the New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition had a profound impact on the development of Russian literature. It introduced English-speaking readers to a new generation of poets who were challenging the established norms of Soviet literature and pushing the boundaries of poetic expression. The anthology helped to create an international audience for these poets and played a significant role in raising their profiles abroad.

The anthology also had a significant impact on the development of Russian poetry itself. It provided a model for future anthologies and helped to establish the idea of a bilingual edition as a way to introduce foreign poets to a wider audience. The success of the New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition paved the way for other groundbreaking anthologies, such as the Penguin Book of Russian Verse and the Oxford Russian Reader.

The New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition is a landmark publication that played a crucial role in the development of Russian literature. It introduced English-speaking readers to a new generation of poets who were challenging the established norms of Soviet literature and pushing the boundaries of poetic expression. The anthology had a significant impact on the development of Russian poetry itself and helped to create an international audience for these poets.

Today, the New Russian Poets 1953-1968 Bilingual Edition remains an invaluable resource for students and scholars of Russian literature. It offers a unique window into the vibrant and dynamic literary landscape of the Soviet era and provides a glimpse into the minds and hearts of some of the most important poets of the time.

References

• Brown, Clarence. "New Russian Poets, 1953-1968: Bilingual Edition." Slavic and East European Journal, vol. 14, no. 4, 1970, pp. 469-471. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/306640. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.
• Kjetsaa, Geir. "The Thaw and the Literary Underground in the Khrushchev Era." Slavic Review, vol. 25, no. 3, 1966, pp. 418-434. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/2493382. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.
• Terras, Victor. "The Development of Russian Poetry after Stalin." Slavic and East European Journal, vol. 7, no. 2, 1963, pp. 139-153. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/306299. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

New Russian Poets: 1953 - 1968 (Bilingual Edition Book 1)

by Brie Tart

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12309 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	342 pages

FREE