Description 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 ReviewsThis 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 TimesBrilliant, 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.
Yale University Press Tolstoy or dostoevsky: an essay in the old criticism, second edition, paperback/george steiner
