Konstantin Batyushkov

Books in the ‘Rereading the Classics’ series give a modern analysis of the works that form part of school literature curricula. This is the first attempt to provide a detailed insight into the spiritual, moral and religious aspects of the art of 19th and 20th century Russian writers. The series is offered as the basis of modern knowledge about Russian literature, which is necessary for high school students to pass school-leaving examinations and to gain admission to any institution of higher learning. Konstantin Batiushkov is a poet without whom one cannot fully understand Pushkin. The modern school Literature curriculum on considers him a philosopher poet who combines the features of sentimentalism and romanticism. The author reveals the beneficial influence of Russian sentimentalism, whose role had been belittled for many years. He shows the development process of Batiushkov's romantic historical elegy. The book reveals the religious foundations of his philosophical poetry for the first time. It gives an uncensored description of his attitude to the French revolution and its ideologists, paying particular attention to analysis of the poet's works studied in school.

This is the first literary book about Batyushkov addressed to school, lyceum and gymnasium teachers, students and university entrants. It may also be interesting for philologists and everyone who loves Russian poetry.