Radishchev’s “Bova” and Its Place in the History of Russian Folkloric Stylization

Abstract

Aleksandr Radishchev (1749–1802) has long been recognized for the boldness and originality of his writings. The present essay examines a substantial but largely forgotten poetic work (“Bova”), focusing on its experimental metrics. The author considers Radishchev’s possible motivations in creating this unprecedented form and suggests a new means of categorizing it.