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A semi-autobiographical novel which centers a Russian teen's relationship to his mentor, Stroop, a scholar of early Renaissance art. Despite Vanya's initial distrust and avoidance of homosexuality and Stroop, he eventually reconciles his fear and opens himself to understanding. The title alludes to Plato's Phaedrus.
Originally Крылья: повесть в трех частях, or Wings: A Story in Three Parts in English.
Kuzmin completed the novel during the summer of 1905, then first published it in the 11th issue of Весы magazine. While Vanya embodies Kuzmin's wish of becoming the student and lover of another man, Stroop personifies the Aesthetic ideal of Kuzmin's dandyism. Much of Vanya's trip to Rome also has autobiographical elements.
Also see:
Editions
- Весы (1906) No. 11.
- Moscow : Scorpion (1907) 104pp. Cover by Nikolai Petrovich Feofilaktov seen at Lot Art.
- Moscow : Scorpion (1908) second edition. 112pp. Cover by Nikolai Petrovich Feofilaktov.
- Berlin : Petropolis (1923) cover by UNC libraries.
- London : Hesperus Press (2007) as Wings. tr. Hugh Aplin. ISBN 978-1843914310.
Content & Trigger Warnings
SUICIDE: in parts 1 and 2.
