In the Shadow of Gogol

Sinyavsky-Terz boldly explores the mysterious life of Nikolai Gogol, trying to unravel the secrets of his personality and his work. He attempts to understand who this great writer was—an outstanding satirist, a great puppeteer, or a lonely person.

Abram Terz, a research associate and professor known for his books, including “Walks with Pushkin,” “Good Night,” “A Voice from the Choir,” “Ivan the Fool,” “Lyubimov,” and “The Cat House,” combines his philological talent with that of a writer, studying Gogol’s life and work.

In the book “In the Shadow of Gogol,” Terz analyzes Gogol’s texts, letters, and life, attempting to untangle the knot of myths surrounding this writer. The book’s design is complemented by a drawing by Mikhail Shemyakin.

In this book, Terz tries to resolve the contradictions in Gogol’s work—who both frightens people and makes them laugh. “In the Shadow of Gogol” is the second volume of a diptych begun with the book “Walks with Pushkin,” and it presents a sharp, complex dialogue between two great writers.