A collection of M. Chudakova’s works, this book celebrates the memory of this outstanding scholar. Chudakova examines the pressure mechanisms used by the state against literature: censorship, didactic criticism spewed by pro-government critics, and a special parlance developed by the state. The scholar emphasizes the powers of ‘literary teleology’ that help oppose the pressure on literature. The book discusses various models of writers’ social behaviour and their principles of creative work, which illustrates the process of changing the predominant artistic agenda. Her rejection of conventions in research encouraged Chudakova to study topics and subjects that had remained outside the scope of traditional academic interest. Chudakova’s style is typified by studies animated by human drama and reflections of her unique personal perception of the purpose and meaning of humanitarian knowledge. Despite the diversity of the characters and topics, the book appears conceptually coherent thanks to the integrity of Chudakova’s character and her scholarly authority.