This author is a founder of the socialist realism literary method and a political activist who left a significant mark on literary history. His work reflects his deep convictions and political stances, shaping his artistic direction. He was a multiple nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature, underscoring his international literary significance. Upon his return to the Soviet Union, he fully embraced the cultural policies of the era.
Set in the depths of Russian society, this 1897 novella by Maxim Gorky explores the harsh realities faced by the marginalized and downtrodden. Through vivid portrayals and a social realism lens, it delves into the struggles and despair of those at the bottom, echoing themes found in Gorky's other works. The novella is part of his collection "Sketches and Stories," showcasing Gorky's commitment to highlighting the plight of the oppressed.
Maxim Gorky, a notable Russian writer and political activist born in 1868, drew on his extensive travels and varied jobs throughout the Russian Empire to shape his literary work. His life experiences deeply influenced his storytelling, reflecting the struggles and resilience of the human spirit. Gorky's contributions to literature earned him five nominations for the Nobel Prize, highlighting his significance in the literary world.
Set in the early 20th century, this short novel explores themes of personal struggle and existential reflection through the eyes of its protagonist. Maxim Gorky delves into the complexities of human emotion and societal pressures, offering a poignant critique of life during that era. The work's publication history highlights its significance, as it was featured in a notable compilation and also released independently, indicating its impact on contemporary literature.
Focusing on the journey of Ilya Lunyev, a boy from an urban slum, the novel explores his transition into middle-class society. As he navigates this new world, he confronts the harsh reality of moral decay that permeates all social classes, leading to his disillusionment. Gorky's work delves into themes of class struggle and the quest for authenticity in a corrupt environment.
'I could hear the frost crackling outside. Greenish moonbeams shone through windows covered with patterns of ice...' One of the most moving accounts of being a boy ever written, My Childhood is a both wonderful and harrowing memoir - and one of the great works of Russian literature. A new series of twenty distinctive, unforgettable Penguin Classics in a beautiful new design and pocket-sized format, with coloured jackets echoing Penguin's original covers.
Inspired by real events and centring on the figure of Pelageya Vlasova – the mother of the title – and her son Pavel, Gorky’s masterpiece describes the brutal life of ordinary Russian factory workers in the years leading to the 1905 Revolution and explores the rise of the proletariat, the role of women in society and the lower classes’ struggle for self-affirmation. A book of the utmost importance, in the words of Lenin, and a landmark in Russian literature, The Mother – here presented in a brilliant new version by Hugh Aplin, the first English translation in almost a century – will enchant modern readers both for its historical significance and its intrinsic value as a work of art.
Maxim Gorky, a prominent Russian writer and political activist, is known for his impactful literary contributions and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times. His diverse experiences from traveling across the Russian Empire and holding various jobs significantly shaped his storytelling and themes. Gorky's life and work reflect a deep understanding of the struggles and resilience of the human spirit, making him a key figure in Russian literature.