Although pretentiously written and repetitious, this is important to anyone interested in Pushkin, the greatest Russian literary icon, and Russian history and letters in general. Pushkin, inordinately proud of his African great-grandfather, did a great deal of research about him. There are few historic sources, given that Gannibal in a fit of panic destroyed his memoirs. However, Barnes valiantly fills in the gaps with plausible solutions based on solid knowledge and wide reading. Excellent Notes and useful bibliography.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 58 Autumn 2010 ) |
