Russian Pulp: The Detektiv and the Russian Way of Crime [Paperback]

Although his goal is to introduce the Western reader to Russian pulp fiction, Olcott accomplishes much more in this extraordinarily informative volume. . . . Throughout, the author explores concepts (the eternal themes of the 'Russian soul,' the 'Russian idea,' Russias attitudes toward the West) that transcend reading tastes. . . . This fascinating book has something for all readers.An admirable piece of detective work, solving mysteries that most readers of light fiction fail to notice, but whose answers are far weightier than the material that led to them.Russian Pulp is an entertaining and... thought-provoking study that should appeal to literary scholars, sociologists and anyone interested in contemporary Russia.A delightful read on a winning topic and an illuminating glimpse of Russian everyday culture, taste, and values.....A delightful read on a winning topic and an illuminating glimpse of Russianeveryday culture, taste, and values.The detektiv, Russia's version of the murder mystery, has conquered what in Soviet days loved to call itself 'the most reading nation on earth.' The first full-length study of the genre, Russian Pulp vividly illustrates how Russians understand law-breaking and crime, policemen and criminals in ways wholly different from those of Westerners. After explaining why solving a crime is always a social function in Russia, Anthony Olcott examines the staples of thrillers-sex, theft, and murder-to demonstrate that Russians see police officer and criminal, thief and victim, as part of a single continuum: all are products of human imperfection. Offering a unique window into Russian society and culture, this book is intended for all students of Russia, from those making first acquaintance to those who have worked for years to understand this puzzling country and its people.The detektiv, Russia's version of the murder mystery, has conquered what in Soviet days loved to call itself 'the most reading nation on earth.' Most Russians don't read mló