[T]his deeply engaged study is a welcome contribution to the growing corpus of contemporary studies of Christianity in Russia.
Times Higher Education
A significant and valuable contribution to scholarship. It will deservedly become standard reading on courses of classical Russian literature across the globe.
Russian Review
The analyses of the works by this quartet of venerable Russian writers unfold as a series of paradoxes, whether that of eros (physical love) and agape (spiritual love) or of humanity and divinity, but Givens has many insightful things to say about other Russian writers too. Given the book's Christological theme, interest in this study may spill over the confines of Slavic studies. Solidly researched and lucidly written. Highly recommended.
Choice
[I]ntelligent, well-researched, and provocative. All those who are interested in the literary representation of Christ will read with interest and reward Givens's insightful analyses of these major writers and texts.
Slavic Review
John Givens approaches a huge topic in an admirably interdisciplinary and focused way.... The results, laid out in accessible and clear prose, will interest readers from religious studies, literature, history, and related fields.
Slavic and East European Journal
This most remarkable volume of investigative study is not only incisive and searching in style, but also analytical and synthetic in the matter at hand? the "who" of Christ and the "how" he is portrayed in Russian literature, both in relatively "minor" authors, but, above all, by the four great authors in the subtitle.
St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly
