Istoričeskij roman na Zapade [26-09-1937] - [D053]

Concise description of the directive:

We bring to readers’ attention the 16th issue of “Litobozreniye” dedicated to the characteristic of the historical novel in the West. The articles illustrate typical trends in the contemporary Western historical novel. The methodological approach of these articles is as follows: a true historical approach(podlinniy istorizm) is called for and attempts to modernise the past and draw superficial historical analogies are condemned. Only a literature that meets these demands can counter fascist falsifications. According to “Litobozreniye”, the historical novels that have recently appeared in the West and are written by the great anti-fascist authors study the struggle between reactionary and progressive forces in the past; all their authors see in this struggle the anticipation of the contemporary struggle between fascism and anti-fascism; in their works, humanistic values, love of life and faith in the victory of the forces of historical progress are set against the inhuman and barbaric values of fascism. However, the authors of the works considered in “Litobozreniye” do not always follow a true historical approach, fully identify the driving forces of past eras and renounce the misguided method of historical analogies.