And here an important question arises : to whom, exactly, should the book address itself?Among those who do not accept our aesthetics and our art, there are some who, as the Bible puts it, "have ears, but they hear not; eyes have they, but they see not". I am speaking of those who have made a profession of libel and ideological sabotage. For a self-respecting scholar arguing with them is out of the question. Frankly, I count least of all on their attention, but if they do, in fact, take no tice, I will try to answer them as the situation demands.I have in mind another sort of reader, one who is genuinely interested in Soviet literature and art, one who sincerely wishes to know our culture, to understand its unique features and principles, but who is often prevented from doing so because of inadequate knowledge, misinfor mation or preconceptions of various sorts. This is the reader with whom I wish to speak and debate in earnest without grudging the time or energy.I will be pleased if my book contributes in any degree to this sort of constructive dialogue.Translated from the Russian Designed by Yakov MalikovCredits to the original uploaders.