Cambridge University Press 2002. Softcover, 404 pp.
Russia is a dominant force in the world, whose culture has been shaped
by its unique position on the margins of both East and West. As Russia
faces new cultural challenges from outside its national boundaries, this
volume introduces Russian culture in all its rich diversity, including
the historical conditions that helped shape it and the arts that express
its highest achievements. Newly commissioned essays by leading scholars
explore language, religion, geography, ideological structures, folk
ethos and popular culture, literature, music, theatre, art, and film. A
chronology and guides to further reading are also provided. The
Companion offers both historical orientation for the central processes
of Russian culture and introductory surveys of the arts in their modern
context. Overall, the volume reveals, for students, academic researchers
and all those interested in Russia, the dilemmas, strengths, and
complexities of the Russian cultural experience.