Geneva, Lausanne: Sdvig Press, 2014. — 247 p. — ISBN : 978-2-9700829-3-4.Russian Formalism, one of this century's most important movements in literary criticism, has received far less attention than most of its rivals. Examining Formalism in light of the most recent developments in literary theory, Peter Steiner offers in his work the most comprehensive critique of the movement to date. This is an extremely useful book, one that anyone interested in Russian Formalism and modern critical theory will want to read. It will not replace Victor Erlich's magisterial study, also called Russian Formalism (1955), but it will certainly be a companion to it. Erlich was a pioneer, describing in broad outlines and comprehensive detail the history, doctrines, and practice of a critical movement yet unknown in the West and still suppressed in its native land. Steiner has had the advantage of a number of important studies, including of course Erlich's. and three decades during which Russian Formalism, through its off-spring, Structuralism, has become part of our critical discourse. Where Erlich is extensive, touching all bases hut lingering on few, Steiner is intensive, probing with admirable critical acumen and impressive erudition the theoretical principles, their provenance and their place in modern intellectual history.PrefaceWho is formalism, what Is she?The three metaphorsThe Machine
The Organism
The SystemA SynecdocheZaum’
Verse
ExpressionThe developmental significance of russian formalism
