Items related to Futility: A Novel on Russian Themes
Synopsis
This is the first novel by William Gerhardie, first published in 1922, and it was made famous by H. G. Wells, who described it as 'true, devastating - a wonderful book'. Based on Gerhardie's own experiences as a member of the British Military Mission to Siberia shortly after the October Revolution, Futility paints a picture of contemporary Russian society which deserves comparison with the writing of Chekhov. At the centre of the story is Nicolai Vasilievich, who trails across Russia in the wake of the British Mission in the perpetual and unrealistic hope of seeing his fortunes improve, even though they steadily deteriorate. In counterpoint to Nicolai's comic progression, Gerhardie tells the story of his narrator's hopeless love for Nina, the second of Nicolai's three bewitching adolescent daughters. 'William Gerhardie is one of our immortals. He is our Gogol's Overcoat. We all came out of him.' Olivia Manning 'He is a comic writer of genius ... but his art is profoundly serious.' C. P. Snow
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About the Author
William Alexander Gerhardie was born in St Petersburg, Russia, in 1895. As a young man he went to London and, when the First World War broke out, joined the army. He was first sent to Russia and later travelled the world before beginning to write. Futility (1922), his first novel, was sponsored by Katherine Mansfield, and other notable works of his include The Polyglots (1925) and Of Mortal Love (1936). Gerhardie's writing was acclaimed as an influence on many of his peers, including Anthony Powell, H. G. Wells, Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene and Olivia Manning. He died in London in 1977.
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- PublisherFaber and Faber
- Publication date2009
- ISBN 10 0571244416
- ISBN 13 9780571244416
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages206
- Rating
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Futility: a novel on Russian themes. Preface by Michael Holroyd. (Faber Finds)
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London: Faber and Faber, 2009
ISBN 10: 0571244416
ISBN 13: 9780571244416
Used
Soft cover
Seller: James Fergusson Books & Manuscripts, London, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. Wrappers. Upper cover slightly marked. Reprint of the Revised Definitive Edition of 1971 (this, the author's first novel, was first published by Cobden-Sanderson, 1922); from the library of Sir Michael Holroyd. It was an instant success, writes Holroyd, "but of esteem rather than coveted circulation. Everyone had read the book, but no one seemed to have bought it. Cobden-Sanderson euphemistically reported it to be selling 'steadily', that was about a couple of copies every couple of weeks. Gerhardie, who had expected a state of emergency, with crowds berserk in bookshops and police rushed off their feet, endured the calm before the storm with some impatience. But still the omnibuses ran in the streets, the planets revolved in the sky as if nothing monumental had occurred. Futility had stunned the world of letters, had left it silent with admiration.". Seller Inventory # HK100059
Quantity: 1 available
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Futility: A Novel on Russian Themes
Seller: Book Trader Cafe, LLC, New Haven, CT, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No Writing in text, slight wear to edges and corners. Ships with tracking the same or next business day from New Haven, CT. We fully guarantee to ship the exact same item as listed and work hard to maintain our excellent customer service. Seller Inventory # 070818005
Quantity: 1 available