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For August 2002, we have chosen...
 The
Face of Russia
"The Russian people are an enigma to most of us. Yet
only by knowing their past can we understand their hopes and fears.
Only by entering into their art can we grasp the temperature which
will forge their future...and ours."--James H. Billington.
A great overview of Russian culture is
“The Face of Russia : Anguish, Aspiration, and Achievement
in Russian Culture” by James H. Billington, renowned Russian
scholar and the Librarian of Congress. This is a true multi-media
work in three formats: a web site, a three hour video series and
a 260 page book.
“The Face of Russia” reveals beautiful works of Russian
art, from ancient icon paintings to magnificent architecture,
literature, and cinema rarely seen by Western eyes. More than
this, though, it shows how Russian art and culture have throughout
history reflected the soul of the Russian people and continues
to define the Russian experience. Political, social, and spiritual
themes heavily influence Russian art, and in turn these artistic
offerings have had profound effects on the way Russia sees itself.
Now that Russia has reached yet another turning point on its turbulent
road to stability, the question seems to be how its art and culture
will respond to the fading of communism and the freedom of expression
that comes with democracy.
Mr. Billington suggests that the changes will show, as upheaval
in Russia has always shown, the resilience of Russia's artistic
community and its determination to find and express its voice
to the world. Mr. Billington also believes that Russia is very
quick to adopt new forms of artistic expression (opera, film,
novels) and quickly produce works as brilliant as any created
in other countries. Broad in scope and enlightening in its study
of historical and current art trends, this series is a must-see
for anyone interested in the Russian culture--it's a work that
future generations will surely revisit for its insightful perspective.
For more information
The Face of Russia Web site www.pbs.org/weta/faceofrussia/intro.html
For further information on “The Face of Russia” book,
including excerpts and ordering information, click on the image
below:
For further information on “The Face of Russia” video
series, including ordering information, click on the image below:
For a brief biography of James H. Billington, go to www.loc.gov/bicentennial/bios/preserve/billington.html
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