Boiko, IUrii (Jurij Bojko-Blochyn)

Shevchenko i Moskva = Schewtchenko und Russland [Shevchenko and Moscow]

[Munich]: Na chuzhyni, 1952. Original wrappers. Item #789

63 pages. 21 cm. Text in Ukrainian with the summary in German. On top of title: Ukrainian Free University. A very good copy with the DUPLICATE stamp on the front cover.

Yuriy Havrylovych Boyko-Blokhin (1909-2002) was a distinguished Ukrainian and German literary critic, theater critic, as well as a dedicated public and political activist. His remarkable journey through life led him to become a member of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists during World War II. However, due to circumstances, Boyko-Blokhin had to depart for Lviv by the end of 1943 and eventually emigrated to Germany. Settling in Munich from 1945, he contributed significantly to the Ukrainian Free University. Here, he achieved the prestigious title of professor in the field of Ukrainian literature history, serving as both dean and rector. His intellectual pursuits expanded in the 1960s when he assumed the role of a professor specializing in the history of Slavic literature.

Boyko-Blokhin's ideology of nationalism revolves around two pivotal concepts: the nation as the primary driving force of history and the individual as the key dynamic element within the nation. He believed that the liberation and evolution of the Ukrainian nation would closely parallel the spiritual enrichment and growth of individual Ukrainians.

Within the realm of his scholarly focus, Boyko-Blokhin delved into the lives and works of prominent figures such as Marko Vovchok, Mykhailo Drahomanov, Oleksandr Konyskyi, Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky, and Serhiy Yefremov. His academic pursuits extended to explore topics like Russian populism, Ukrainian romanticism during the 19th century, the era of Ivan Mazepa and its aftermath, as well as comparative studies of East Slavic literatures. Notably, Boyko-Blokhin's work excelled in shedding light on the figures associated with the Ukrainian national revival of the 1920s and 30s. He conducted thorough investigations into the creative output of Mykola Khvylovy, while also delving into the archives of Hryhorii Kosynka, ultimately leading to the publication of Kosynka’s short story "Faust."

Price: $70.00