Russian literature includes some of the greatest masterpieces ever written. Russian authors have used all literary forms, but are best known for their novels and poetry. Style, content, and keen character analysis contribute to the excellence of Russian writing. The most famous Russian works show a deep concern for moral, religious, and philosophical problems.
History has had an important influence on Russian literature. The widespread acceptance of Christianity in Russia during the late 900's resulted in literature that consisted mostly of religious works. Themes of the Tatar (Mongol) invasion and conquest dominated Russian literature from the 1200's to the late 1400's. The Tatar occupation isolated Russia from Western Europe for more than 200 years. But by the end of the 1600's, translations and imitations of Western European works were appearing in many Russian writings. By the late 1700's, literature included expressions of social protest against the czars, serfdom, and moral and political corruption.
The greatest Russian poetry, prose, and drama were written during the 1800's. The mid-1800's was the age of Realism in Russian literature. Beginning in the 1890's, an artistic and cultural revival known as the Silver Age emerged. It developed from a combination of Russian religious philosophy, the ideas of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, and artistic doctrines and poetry from France. Most of the great Russian poets of the 1900's appeared during this period, which ended shortly after the Communist Revolution of 1917.
After 1917, literary activity was controlled by the Communist government. In 1922, the Communist government formed the Soviet Union, which existed until 1991. Government censors required that literature portray Soviet society as being full of optimism and joy of life. Writers who ignored such regulations faced the threat of severe punishment. However, the constant struggle of Soviet writers against censorship led to periods of creative freedom and experimentation.
