In the eyes of the modern reader, the pantheon of 20th-century poets represents a strict and unchanging set of authors. But how was today's canon actually formed, what was the creative development of the poets of the Silver Age, and their opinions of each other?
The life of Vladislav Khodasevich vividly illustrates the literary life of that time. In his youth, Khodasevich was invited by Valery Bryusov to join the circle of Symbolists, and a little later he began publishing in magazines as both a poet and a critic. He finds himself at the epicenter of the literary and intimate lives of writers, philosophers, and literary figures, becoming a participant in numerous poetic discussions and a witness to personal tragedies.
In this book, Khodasevich is contradictory, multifaceted, and changeable, just like the century in which he lived. He could be biased in his assessments of certain works, and, conversely, could sometimes demonstrate amazing insight, seeing talent where others had not yet noticed it. It's the same with people: his ill will and arrogance sometimes turned into strong and long-lasting friendships. Shubinsky shows us the great poet, but never loses sight of the man with his strengths and weaknesses.