“The Russian Soul” in English-Language Criticism in the Early XX Century and Today

Aim. To describe the rise in popularity and the forms of reception of the concept of “Russian soul” in English-speaking criticism of the early 20th century and the end of the 20th to beginning of the 21st century.Methodology. An analysis of scholarly works dedicated to the concept of “Russian soul” in the 20th century England and in English-speaking countries at the end of 20th – beginning of the 21st century was conducted. Major tendencies in the attribution of origins, interpretation, and usage of the term were identified. The cultural-historical and comparative-descriptive methods were employed in the analysis.Results. The stages of development of the “cult of the Russian soul” in the early 20th century England and its forms of influence on contemporary writers were analysed. An overview of translation issues that may have influenced the reception of the term was conducted. A range of key research directions linked to the term’s usage during the later period of reception was identified and analysed.Research implications. The article constructs the “big picture” describing the origins and the modes of influence of the term “Russian soul” on the culture and literature of the early 20th century England and on English-language literary scholarship of the more contemporary period.