From Library Journal
Yevtushenko claims that compiling this anthology was as difficult as "putting together a beautiful statue that, out of envy for its perfect beauty, has been smashed to pieces by barbarians," and he's not exaggerating. Many of the anthology's 250 poets have been repressed and their works scattered; others are well known in their homeland but have never before been translated into English. The manuscript was smuggled out of the Soviet Union piecemeal, beginning in 1972; then, inexplicably, the project was frozen for 15 years. It was definitely worth the wait. This massive tome effectively captures the spirit and passion of Russian poetry in this century. Yevtushenko provides context by dividing the text into four clearly delineated sections and introducing each poet with an extensive preface; in addition, important terms are cross-referenced to a helpful glossary. While wide-ranging, the anthology remains judicious in its selection, offering outpourings from giants like Mandelstam or Akhmatova and perhaps a single poem from lesser lights. Too bad the original Russian is not presented en face , but then the project would have become far too ponderous. Highly recommended.
- Barbara Hoffert, "Library Journal"Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Kurzbeschreibung
A massive, comprehensive anthology of poetry from the politically turbulent Russia of this century. This collection introduces Americans to a number of astonishing poets virtually unknown outside of Russia, as well as presenting the work of some of the most prominent Russian poets of the past 90 years.
From the Trade Paperback edition.