The life, times, and milieu of V.F. Odoyevsky, 1804-1869 /

Attractively designed and printed, this first book in English on Vladimir Odoyevsky, ``the forgotten man'' of Russian culture, was written with a modest aim in mind, yet it richly rewards the reader. Claiming that his study ``in certain respects remains an introductory essay,'' Cornwell nonetheless unfolds a fascinating panorama of Russia's cultural and social life over a 50-year period in the 19th century. The author has gathered an immense amount of material on Odoyevsky. His belief, however, in the accessibility of Odoyevsky's ``most enduring'' literary legacy seems to be optimistic; there is little evidence to suggest that serious efforts are being made to fully resurrect Odoyevsky for the modern Russian reader. Attached to Odoyevsky in Stalinist times, the label describing him as ideologically alien to democracy takes time to fade. Nevertheless, the planned mass edition of one of Odoyevsky's stories for children is an encouraging sign. The appendixes contain scholarly notes and an excellent bibliography. Undergraduate and graduate readership.-A. Fodor, McGill University