Tolstoy or Dostoevsky: An Essay in the Old Criticism, Second Edition (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780300069174)

George Steiner's Tolstoy or Dostoevsky has become a classic among scholars of Russian literature. An essay in poetic and philosophic criticism that bears mainly on the Russian masters, Tolstoy or Dostoevsky deals also with larger themes: the epic tradition extending from Homer to Tolstoy; the continuity of a "tragic world view" from Oedipus Rex to King Lear and The Brothers Karamazov; the contrasts between the epic and dramatic modes, between irreconcilably opposed views of God and of history.
"A must for the teacher, student, and intellectually serious reader."--Kirkus Reviews

"This is a book that provides new and stimulating insight into the literary masterpieces and thought of the great Russian novelists. Moreover, in this work Steiner shows a great depth and breadth of literary knowledge and criticism that is not limited alone to the Russian writers under discussion but to writers of all genres and all literary periods."--Journal of Religion
"His is a work of personal criticism, often ingenious, always deeply felt."--The New York Times

"Brilliant, provocative, full of insights, this classic study still stands alone and unchallenged in modern criticism as a lucid and erudite study of the contrasting genius of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Steiner's book is a must for the student, scholar, or general reader who wishes to approach the Russian giants in their full literary and philosophical ambience."--Robert L. Jackson

Author: George Steiner
ISBN-10: 0300069170
ISBN-13: 9780300069174
Publisher: Yale University Press
Language: English
Published: 10/30/1996
Pages: 386
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.18h x 5.32w x 1.14d