The Russian poet Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Blok (1880-1921) was a leading figure in the Russian symbolist movement. His strongly rhythmic poetry is characterized by metaphysical imagery, dramatic use of legend, and responsiveness to history and to...

While scholars recognize a "pan-aesthetic" ideal unifying the entire Russian Symbolist movement of the 1890s and 1900s, as well as a shared rejection of "philistine" and positivist values, they also distinguish between a "first generation of...

Byline: Bill Bregar Newell Rubbermaid Inc. is shopping Little Tikes Co. for sale, and another toy maker is taking a look - Mega Bloks Inc. of Montreal - industry sources said. Newell Rubbermaid executives have told Little Tikes managers and other...

A smoky back-room in Antwerp's Van Maerlanstraat. The shutter door is pulled closed. A smart jacket-and-tie-clad speaker addresses an audience of around 40. He speaks fluently in low, measured tones, gesticulating to emphasise certain points. Mem bers ofthe audience listen attentively, lighting cigarettes and...

In the following excerpt, Slonim studies the progression of Blok's poetry in relation to both his life and social and political conditions in Russia; identifies the major elements of Blok's style; and comments on Blok's views concerning the role of the artist in society.

In the following essay, Reeve offers a reading of The Twelve as an apolitical poem, in which the Christ figure symbolizes "apotheosis in suffering not through it" and "real freedom in actual restraint as distinguished from the idea of liberation."

In the following essay, Bowra assesses Blok's place among European poets, identifying and examining three phases in his poetic development.