Review of Urakova, A. and Fokin, S., eds. (2017). Poe, Baudelaire, Dostoevsky: Splendour and misery of national genius. Moscow: NLO. 496 pages.

Abstract

The review deals with a monograph produced by a group of authors devoted to the interconnectedness of works by Poe, Baudelaire, and Dostoevsky. Putting names together creates a comparative plot, which encourages unconventional thinking. Poe is pictured as the central figure that influences Baudelaire’s and Dostoevsky’s artistic principles. The triple comparison offers a chance to take a new look at Poe’s literary legacy. It is suggested that Baudelaire finds his poetic voice in translating Poe’s works, and becomes an important intermediary for Dostoevsky, who reads his translations. The subtitle mentions ‘national genius’, which puts each of the three in a special spotlight, underscoring their complete independence, separation from others – their tragic solitude – in the unfolding prospect. There is an exchange of opinions between scholars from various schools and national academic traditions – a lively interaction of ideas is palpable and engaging, contributing to the book’s consistency. The dialogue-like aspect of the book is also determined by several authors dealing simultaneously with subjects, so that they become leitmotifs. The review considers each of the book’s four parts.