Despite attempts to promote the aesthetics of ruins in Russiamdash;from Catherine the Greatrsquo;s construction of fake ruins in imperial parks to Josef Brodskyrsquo;s elegiac meditationsmdash;ruins have never achieved the status they enjoy in Western Europe. While the Soviet Union was notorious for leveling churches; post-Soviet Russia has only intensified the practice of massive destruction and reconstruction. Architecture of Oblivion examines the role of ruins in the development of Russiarsquo;s historical consciousness from the 18th century to the present. Investigating the meaning and functions ruins have acquired in Russian culture; Schouml;nle looks at ideological reasons for the current disregard for the value of ruins and historical buildings; in particular by political authorities; and reveals how ruins have often become a site of resistance to official ideology and an invitation to map out alternative visions of history and of statehood.An interdisciplinary study of Russiarsquo;s response to ruins has never been attempted; although the topic of ruins has garnered considerable interest in Western Europe and in the U.S. This original work from a leading authority on the subject will appeal to historians of Russian culture and thought; literature and art scholars; and general readers interested in ruins.
#656641 in eBooks 2011-07-13 2011-07-13File Name: B005G4W0WG
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A favorite present...By chuckyThis was my 5yo favorite birthday present. Beautiful illustrations and instructions. She has had me draw a hydra already and I found her instructions to be excellent guidelines. Blythe was quite happy with the results of 15 minutes worth of my drawing. It is beyond her skill level right now. but it gives her something to imagine and work up too. The only 2 disappointments I had were the lack of merfolk and a Phoenix. How could a section on water or air creatures be complete without these? However. I am still giving it 5 stars because it is a beautiful. imaginative and fun book well worth owning.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful detail and accurately described.By eternityofsongI love the intricate detail this book goes into and the fact that it doesnt go straight from basic shapes into that detail. there are multiple steps between the first visualization to the completed drawing which in my opinion helps the less advanced artist to pick up the drawing and the drawing techniques used. I bought this for my sister in law who loves animals and she was delighted. The books quality was also very high. The binding was tight and its a nicely done hardcover. I think it will stand the test of time well which isnt all that common today. Im very happy with this purchase and would recommend it to my friends and family.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CustomerGreat book. Excellent art instruction including human anatomy proportions. Wonderful exercises in developing and coloring images.
