Time, Forward!

by Valentin Kataev, Charles Malamuth, Edward J. Brown

Overview

A classic of Soviet realism, Time, Forward! captures the enthusiasm and optimism of the first Five-Year Plan in its portrayal of the construction of Magnitogorsk, an enormous metallurgical plant considered one of the finest industrial achievements of the period. It embodies the beliefs of the era—that the collective (here a multinational brigade) through its determination and the application of technology can accomplish the impossible, conquer nature, even overcome time. Utilizing cinematic technique to tell his story, Kataev focuses on a twenty-four hour period when of the Magnitogorsk shock-brigades breaks a world record for pouring cement. The result is a remarkably affecting portrait of the idealism and sacrifice powering the early Soviet era.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810112476
Publisher:	Northwestern University Press
Publication date:	11/22/1995
Series:	European Classics
Edition description:	Translated
Pages:	345
Product dimensions:	5.12(w) x 7.75(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

VALENTIN PETROVICH KATAEV (1897-1986) was a Russian and Soviet novelist and playwright who managed to create penetrating works discussing post-revolutionary social conditions without running afoul of the demands of official Soviet style. Kataev is credited with suggesting the idea for the Twelve Chairs to his brother Yevgeni Petrov and Ilya Ilf. In return, Kataev insisted that the novel be dedicated to him, in all editions and translations. Kataev's relentless imagination, sensitivity, and originality made him one of the most distinguished Soviet writers.

Editorial Reviews

". . . figures among the exemplars of Stalin-era novel writing."  —Rolf Hellebust, The Slavonic and East European Review

From the Publisher