On Socialist Realism

On Socialist Realism

Translated by George Dennis, this article, written in poetic prose by an anonymous Russian writer, is presented here in its first full English translation.

Introduction

The title of this article does not even begin to convey its importance as an intellectual and historical document. It is, we believe, one of the most significant pieces of writing to come out of contemporary Russia; and we take pride in presenting here the first full English translation. The article was written in Russia by a Russian writer, 37 or 38 years old. He managed to convey it to Paris, where the liberal monthly Esprit published a French translation. It was written before the Pasternak affair, and has, of course, not appeared in Russia itself.…

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