Osip Mandelshtam

Osip Mandelshtam was a Russian Jewish poet and essayist, one of the foremost members of the Acmeist movement. Born in Warsaw in 1891, he grew up in St. Petersburg and was educated in a progressive Jewish school. His poetry is known for its classical style, commitment to cultural and intellectual heritage, and its clear, resonant language. Mandelshtam faced severe persecution under Stalin's regime for his outspoken criticism of the government, leading to his arrest and eventual death in a transit camp near Vladivostok in 1938.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Fourth Prose

    "The Fourth Prose" is a collection of autobiographical sketches and essays that delve into the author's reflections on literature, culture, and his own experiences. Through a series of lyrical and philosophical musings, the work explores the nature of artistic creation, the role of the poet in society, and the oppressive political climate of the author's time. The prose pieces are marked by their rich language and imagery, as well as their deep engagement with the European literary tradition, all while offering a poignant critique of the totalitarian regime under which the author lived, ultimately serving as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the written word.

    The 3702nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Noise Of Time

    The book in question is a profound reflection on the life and work of a Russian poet navigating the treacherous waters of Soviet politics under Stalin's regime. It delves into the themes of art, power, and the struggle for creative freedom in an oppressive state. Through a series of lyrical meditations, the poet grapples with the compromises and silences imposed by totalitarianism, while seeking to preserve the integrity of his voice and vision. The narrative captures the tension between the individual's inner world and the crushing weight of external forces, offering a poignant exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of relentless noise and coercion.

    The 3770th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Selected Poems

    This collection is an assemblage of lyrical poetry from a renowned 20th-century Russian poet, whose work is celebrated for its classical style, rich allusions, and profound emotional depth. The poems traverse a range of themes, from personal love and artistic creation to the struggles of historical events and the poet's own confrontations with political oppression. The poet's masterful manipulation of language and sound, even in translation, captures the complex interplay between individual experience and the broader cultural and political forces of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the reader and securing his place in the canon of world literature.

    The 7152nd Greatest Book of All Time