Canadian-American Slavic Studies 37: 1-2 (2003).

From the Guest Editor

This special issue of Canadian-American Slavic Studies devoted to Russian cultural life in exile has been conceived as a companion piece to the first volume of the annual review From the Other Shore. Both journals stem from the realization that the present fragmentary state of Russian exilic studies requires the delineation of the artistic activity of expatriates from the Russian empire and the USSR as a field in need of systematic and coherent scholarly inquiry. Since such an inquiry is hardly possible without a forum where students of Russia Abroad can share their findings, From the Other Shore and its companion issue have striven to unite researchers from different countries and to provide both an impetus and a venue for the discussion, systematization, and dissemination of knowledge about the cultural activity of Russian expatriates in any century and under all historical circumstances.

Echoing the format of From the Other Shore, the special issue of Canadian-American Slavic Studies brings together scholars separated by geographical distance, privy to varying sources of information in their countries of residence, and accustomed to differing methodologies of research. This volume is an international and multilingual venture, since the very nature of its subject matter — the diversity and complexity of Russian exilic experience — forces its students to transcend cultural, national, and linguistic boundaries. For the purposes of this forum, the concepts of “Russianness” and “Russian cultural traditions,” which become especially problematic in a foreign context, are open to interpretation and by no means limited to ethnic, religious or national identities. Those interested in Russian exilic studies are encouraged to consult From the Other Shore which complements the material presented in this issue.

Leonid Livak, University of Toronto