Viktor Borisovich Shklovskii

About the Author

Viktor Borisovich Shklovskii (1893-1984) was a pioneering Russian literary theorist, critic, and writer whose innovative ideas profoundly shaped 20th-century literary studies. A key figure in the Formalist movement, Shklovskii emphasized the 'defamiliarization' technique, urging artists to make the familiar strange to renew perception. His seminal essay 'Art as Technique' laid the groundwork for analyzing literature's devices beyond mere content. Shklovskii's explorations extended to film, where he bridged narrative forms between literature and cinematography, influencing Soviet avant-garde culture. Throughout his prolific career, he authored numerous essays, memoirs, and theoretical works, while navigating the turbulent politics of his time, including exile and censorship, to champion artistic freedom and experimentation.