Russian Modernist Novel

[Benjamin Sher]

Dear Colleague:

PUBLISHER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

I would like to call your attention to the publication of Konstantin
Vaginov's THE TOWER (original title: The Goat- Song), a Russian classic
from the twenties. This is the first translation into English of Vaginov's
surrealistic masterpiece. In fact, it is the first translation ever into
English of any of Vaginov's four novels. It was originally published in
Leningrad in 1928 by Priboi Publishers under the title of Kozlinaia Pesn'.

The publication of THE TOWER was originally announced on May 1, 1997. Since
then THE TOWER has been upgraded from a bound hard copy to a durable and
handsome hardcover book. Furthermore, it is now available both in the
United States and abroad. The novel is also available to individuals on
diskette. Full information is provided below.

Although nearly forgotten in the West, Vaginov was held in high esteem by
Bakhtin and his contemporaries. In "Conversations with Bakhtin" (published
in Chelovek, 1994/4 --  Moscow), the great Russian philosopher and literary
critic refers to Vaginov's unique stature in world literature, his supreme
craftsmanship and cosmic reach, especially in THE TOWER (Copyright
restrictions prohibit actual quotation from this interview).

Three Slavic reviewers, having read Chapter One of THE TOWER, have asked
permission to review the novel for their respective journals. In addition,
the libraries of UCLA, Rice University and Hamilton College have already
ordered (and received) the novel.

You may find Chapter One and the Translator's Afterword on the WWW at:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/1212

Vaginov's chef d'oeuvre depicts the predicament of the Russian
intelligentsia as represented by Teptyolkin and his circle of artists and
scholars during the NEP period of the 1920's: Having accepted the
Revolution in principle, they could not reconcile themselves to the
Bolsheviks' destruction of the glories of the past. Their mission, to
preserve the remnants of European culture and, in particular, the free
spirit of Renaissance humanism and art, was doomed to failure. The novel is
a tragic satire of this generation. Finally, its sense of longing for a
golden age hauntingly foreshadows the anxieties and dilemmas of the present
generation.

For details concerning prices and formats, please contact me off-line.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Sher

Benjamin and Anna Sher
SHER PUBLISHERS
802-C Fern St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
Email: sher07 at bellsouth.net
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/1212