Henry Gifford – författare

Comparative Literature explores an ''area of interest'' rather than a special discipline. The book begins with an account of the approaches that twentieth century writers took to literature by writers other than themselves. It discusses the common tone shared by those who subscribe to a national tradition, and considers what is meant by ''the mind of Europe''. It ponders the problems of translation, and discusses the nature of comparative study at university. Lastly, the special case of American literature is treated as pointing to the need for adjustment to a new stage in the world''s culture.

The criticial discussion of comparative studies provided in this book demonstrates the greater depth and vivacity that these studies can give to our ideas about literature.

The Novel in Russia examines the Russian sensibility as it is revealed in prose fiction, the dominant mode of Russian literature. It explores how, in the work of Pushkin, Lermontov and Gogol, narrative art forsakes poetry for prose, and considers in turn six authors from the great age of prose realism: Goncharov, Turgenev, Leskov, Tolstoy, Saltykov-Shchedrin and Dostoevsky. The book provides an account of Chekhov and Gorky, appraises ''decadent'' prose, the earlier Soviet writing, the school of Socialist Realism, and Doctor Zhivago. The theme of the writer''s contest with critical pressure and State interference runs throughout.

Comparative Literature explores an ''area of interest'' rather than a special discipline. The book begins with an account of the approaches that twentieth century writers took to literature by writers other than themselves. It discusses the common tone shared by those who subscribe to a national tradition, and considers what is meant by ''the mind of Europe''. It ponders the problems of translation, and discusses the nature of comparative study at university. Lastly, the special case of American literature is treated as pointing to the need for adjustment to a new stage in the world''s culture.

The criticial discussion of comparative studies provided in this book demonstrates the greater depth and vivacity that these studies can give to our ideas about literature.

The Novel in Russia examines the Russian sensibility as it is revealed in prose fiction, the dominant mode of Russian literature. It explores how, in the work of Pushkin, Lermontov and Gogol, narrative art forsakes poetry for prose, and considers in turn six authors from the great age of prose realism: Goncharov, Turgenev, Leskov, Tolstoy, Saltykov-Shchedrin and Dostoevsky. The book provides an account of Chekhov and Gorky, appraises ''decadent'' prose, the earlier Soviet writing, the school of Socialist Realism, and Doctor Zhivago. The theme of the writer''s contest with critical pressure and State interference runs throughout.

First published in 1969, Comparative Literature explores an area of interest rather than a special discipline. While Professor Gifford sets out to describe the character and purpose of comparative literary studies in the broadest possible terms, the particular value of his approach lies in seeing such studies as the natural product of any effort to understand modern poetry and contemporary literary movements. Among many questions Professor Gifford is especially concerned with the study of literature in translation, with the transatlantic character of modern literary experience, and with the importance of finding a place for Comparative Literature in the university.

This book will be useful for students of Comparative Literature and Literature in general.

First published in 1969, Comparative Literature explores an area of interest rather than a special discipline. While Professor Gifford sets out to describe the character and purpose of comparative literary studies in the broadest possible terms, the particular value of his approach lies in seeing such studies as the natural product of any effort to understand modern poetry and contemporary literary movements. Among many questions Professor Gifford is especially concerned with the study of literature in translation, with the transatlantic character of modern literary experience, and with the importance of finding a place for Comparative Literature in the university.

This book will be useful for students of Comparative Literature and Literature in general.