Laurence Kelly's Lermontov: Tragedy in the Caucasus provides an elegant but concise overview of one of Russia's most influential writers. The book describes Lermontov's rapid ascent to literary stardom in the first part of the 19th century. It covers his amorous and military adventures, and analyzes the growing power and originality of most of his prose and poetry. Kelly is especially interested in Lermontov's fascination with the peoples of the Caucasus. He believes that this interest reflects Russia's rising enthusiasm for empire, but notes that Lermontov was more sympathetic for local peoples than most other Russian conquerors.
A few favorite quotations
...she had undoubted charm for those she loved. Unfortunately, her husband was not one of them.
His widow's only recorded comment was terse: "a dog's death for a dog."
"Who will believe me," he wrote, "when I saw that I knew what love was, at ten years of age?"
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