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The Occult in Russian and Soviet Culture

Name: The Occult in Russian and Soviet Culture
Brand: Cornell University Press
SKU: 129715
Availability: InStock

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Explore the intriguing intersection of mysticism and history with The Occult in Russian and Soviet Culture. This insightful book offers a deep analysis of occult influences on Russian society and politics, revealing hidden narratives that shaped cultural identity. Essential for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Category: Books

Tags: cultural studies books, esoteric literature, mysticism, Occult books, paranormal studies, Russian culture, Soviet history

Brands: Cornell University Press

A pioneering, richly interdisciplinary volume, this is the first work in any language on a subject that has long attracted interest in the West and is now of consuming interest in Russia itself. The cultural ferment unleashed by the collapse of the Soviet Union reawakened interest in the study of Russian religion and spirituality. This book provides a comprehensive account of the influence of occult beliefs and doctrines on intellectual and cultural life in twentieth-century Russia.

Bernice Glatzer Rosenthal’s introduction delineates the characteristics of occult cosmology which distinguish it from mysticism and theology, and situates Russian occultism in historical and pan-European contexts. Contributors explore the varieties of occult thinking characteristic of prerevolutionary Russia, including Kabbala, theosophy, anthroposophy, and the fascination with Satanism.

Other contributors document occultism in the cultural life of the early Soviet period, examine the surprising traces of the occult in the culture of the high Stalin era, and describe the occult revival in contemporary Russia. The volume includes bibliographical essays on Russian occult materials available outside Russia.

The Occult in Russian and Soviet Culture offers a profound exploration into the enigmatic and often overlooked dimensions of spiritual and mystical beliefs within Russian and Soviet history. This comprehensive book delves into the intricate ways occult traditions have influenced literature, politics, art, and society throughout the turbulent periods of Russia’s past. It serves as an essential resource for readers seeking to understand how esoteric ideas permeated cultural and ideological frameworks during both the Imperial and Soviet eras. Through meticulously researched narratives, the book reveals the complex interactions between occult practices and mainstream culture, illustrating how these hidden currents shaped the collective consciousness and identity of the region. Its scholarly yet accessible approach makes it a valuable addition for historians, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of mysticism and historical development. The text invites readers to reconsider familiar historical events through the lens of esoteric thought, enriching their understanding of the cultural fabric that defined Russia and the Soviet Union. In everyday life, this book enhances intellectual curiosity and provides a unique perspective on the spiritual undercurrents that continue to influence contemporary Russian culture. Whether used as a reference for academic study or as a thought-provoking read for personal enrichment, it offers a compelling journey into a world where the mystical and the political intertwine. The Occult in Russian and Soviet Culture stands out for its detailed analysis and engaging narrative style, making it a distinguished work that broadens the scope of cultural and historical knowledge.