Henry Gifford (literary scholar)

Henry Gifford (1913-1990) was a British literary scholar, best known for his work on Russian literature and comparative literature. He held academic positions at the University of Bristol, Cornell University, and the University of London (School of Slavonic and East European Studies).

Gifford's scholarship was characterized by its breadth, erudition, and sensitivity to the historical and cultural contexts of literary works. He wrote extensively on Russian novelists such as Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Alexander Pushkin, often exploring their moral and philosophical dimensions.

Key publications include:

• Leo Tolstoy (1963) - A critical study of Tolstoy's life and major works.
• The Novel in Russia: From Pushkin to Tolstoy (1964) - A comprehensive survey of the development of the Russian novel in the 19th century.
• Comparative Literature (1969) - An introduction to the field of comparative literature, exploring its methodologies and challenges.
• Pasternak: A Critical Study (1977) - An analysis of the works of Boris Pasternak, including his novel Doctor Zhivago.

Gifford's work contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciation of Russian literature in the English-speaking world. He also played a role in promoting the field of comparative literature as a valuable approach to literary study. He was respected for his insightful interpretations and his ability to connect literature to broader intellectual and cultural currents.