The Silver Dove
The Silver Dove by Andrey Bely, published by Northwestern University Press in 2000, is a significant work in the realm of modern Russian literature. This edition, consisting of 316 pages, presents a new translation that makes the complete text available in English for the first time. The novel, recognized as the first modern Russian novel, departs from traditional Russian realism and embodies pioneering Symbolist elements, featuring vividly drawn characters and elemental landscapes.
Readers will encounter the journey of the poet Daryalsky, who, disillusioned with the life of the intelligentsia, becomes involved with a rural mystic sect known as the Silver Doves. The narrative explores Daryalsky’s interactions with the locals, particularly the peasant woman Matryona, and his entanglement with the sect’s cult leader, Kudeyarov. As the plot unfolds, themes of spirituality and mysticism emerge, alongside the complexities of jealousy and suspicion within the sect, ultimately leading Daryalsky to confront his own fate. This literary work offers a rich exploration of character and setting, making it a notable addition to the genre.
Official synopsis Publisher
The Silver Dove, published four years before Bely’s masterpiece Petersburg, is considered the first modern Russian novel. Breaking with Russian realism, and a pioneering Symbolist work, its vividly drawn characters, elemental landscapes, and rich style make it accessible to the Western reader, and this new translation makes the complete work available in English for the first time.
Dissatisfied with the life of the intelligentsia, the poet Daryalsky joins a rural mystic sect, the Silver Doves. The locals, in particular the peasant woman Matryona, are fascinated by the dashing stranger. Daryalsky is in turn taken in by the Doves’ intimacy with the mystical and spiritual–and by Matryona. Under the influence of Kudeyarov, the ruthless cult leader, Daryalsky is used in a bid to produce a sacred child. But in time the poet disappoints the Doves and must face their suspicions and jealousies–and his own inevitable dire fate.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Silver Dove” about?
Who is the author of “The Silver Dove”?
When was “The Silver Dove” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Silver Dove”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
