This book, first published in 1950, could best be described as a combination of literary, psychological and social criticism. Considerable space is allotted to the personal inner drama of Ibsen, which provides not only a clue to his art but shows how most of his themes inevitably grew out of the other. The author also explores some of those factors which make Ibsen of interest to the generation that were facing the social and spiritual havoc of the post-war period. This book will be of int...

This book, first published in 1926, aimed to introduce to English readers to a great and complex foreign writer in as simple terms as possible. As this was the first extensive study of Gogol in English, the author chiefly considered the general characteristics of the man and his work. This book will be of interest to students of literature.

In this book, first published in 1943, Janko Lavrin provides an overview of the development of the Russian novel by placing the great Russian novelists – Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Gorky, Gogol – in relation to their native literature and their social, political and cultural backgrounds. An Introduction to the Russian Novel will appeal particularly to students of Russian literature and culture as well as those interested in the development of the novel in general.

This volume contains two concise works by the innovative twentieth-century literary critic Janko Lavrin, offering accessible and thoughtful introductions to the two greatest Russian novelists. It provides a perfect point of access into the often bewildering world of Russian literature, and the troubled geniuses which created it.Tolstoy: An Approach, first published in 1944, is an attempt to interpret Tolstoy as an artist and thinker in light of the twentieth-century experience: spe...

Janko Lavrin's influential biography of Friedrich Nietzsche, originally published in 1948, analyses the bond between Nietzsche's personal fate on the one hand and the trend of his thought on the other, set against the background of contemporary crisis typical of mankind in general.

Nietzsche left no systematic exposition of his philosophy, and so it remains the subject of intense scholarly dispute and interpretation. Because of Nietzsche's evocative style and often outrageous claims, his philosophy generates strong reactions of passionate love and disgust. The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche by Henry Louis Mencken was the first, and many believe the best book on the subject. Mencken was known for his attention to detail. This book is a must read for anyone who wish...

Ecce Homo: How One Becomes What One Is (German: Ecce homo: Wie man wird, was man ist) is the last original book written by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche before his final years of insanity that lasted until his death in 1900. It was written in 1888 and was not published until 1908.According to one of Nietzsche's most prominent English translators, Walter Kaufmann, the book offers "Nietzsche's own interpretation of his development, his works, and his significance." The book contains...

In "Aspects of the Novel," E. M. Forster presents a compelling and analytical exploration of the fundamental elements that constitute the art of the novel. Written in 1927, the book offers a critical examination of narrative techniques, character development, plot structure, and thematic depth, employing a conversational yet authoritative style that invites both scholars and casual readers to engage with its insights. Forster's clear delineation of the 'five aspects'—story, plot, character...

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881) was a Russian novelist, essayist, short story writer, journalist, and philosopher. His literature examines human psychology during the turbulent social, spiritual and political atmosphere of 19th-century Russia, and he is considered one of the greatest psychologists in world literature. Originally published as a serial in the journal “The Russian Messenger” between 1868–9, “The Idiot” tells the story of a young prince called Lev Nikolayevich Mys...

German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche was one the most controversial figures of the 19th century. His evocative writings on religion, morality, culture, philosophy, and science were often polemic attacks against the established views of his time. Nietzsche demonstrates that the Christian world is steeped in a false piety and infected with a 'slave morality'. With wit and energy, he turns from this critique to a philosophy that celebrates the present and demands that the ...

This collection of short stories by some of Russia’s most famous authors is beautifully illustrated with nearly 20 wonderful images to amplify the narrative. Simply gorgeous!From Chekhov to Gorky, Pushkin to Dostoyevsky, Russian writers have long been celebrated for their excellent short fiction. Even Tolstoy, the author of War and Peace, one of the longest novels ever written, wrote short stories. These Russian storytellers, along with others, are represented here by ...