This Handbook of Georgian Literature is a philological study carried out by contemporary Georgian literary critics. This book traces the pivotal stages in the development of Georgian literature, showcasing not only its unique trajectory but also its deep connections to global literary currents. This study delves into the rich history of Georgian writing, tracing its evolution from the early Middle Ages to contemporary literary movements. Rejecting outdated Soviet methodologies that long skewed the perception of Georgian literature, the book reaffirms the deep-rooted connection between Georgian and European literary traditions. Alongside a sweeping overview, it offers detailed analyses of key periods, authors, and texts, shedding new light on the intellectual heritage of Georgian literature. While many women writers and poets played a significant role in shaping Georgian literature, their work has long been underappreciated in historical narratives. This book corrects that omission, giving these voices the recognition and space they deserve.

Table of Contents:
Editor’s Preface Introduction: Periodization of Georgian Literature  Irma Ratiani 1 Georgian Hagiographic Literature  Ivane Amirkhanashvili 2 Georgian Hymnography  Gocha Kuchukhidze 3 Emergence of Georgian Secular Literature  Maka Elbakidze 4 On the Character of Georgian Verse  Tamar Lomidze 5 Georgian Literature in the 16th and 17th Centuries  Irma Ratiani 6 Georgian Romanticism: Texts and Contexts  Gaga Lomidze 7 Realism in Georgian Literature  Irma Ratiani  7.1 Ilia Chavchavadze and His Reader  Irma Ratiani  7.2 A Few Words on Akaki Tsereteli’s Lyrics  David Tserediani  7.3 Alexander Kazbegi: Georgian Tragedian (After the Novel Khevisberi Gocha)  Irma Ratiani  7.4 Vazha-Phshavela’s Poems  Tamaz Vasadze  7.5 Vazha-Pshavela on Cosmopolitanism and Patriotism  Irma Ratiani 8 Origins of Georgian Leftist Writing  Tamar Tsitsishvili 9 Georgian Female Writers of the 19th Century  Tamar Tsitsishvili 10 Georgian Modernism: Relocating Georgian Culture  Bela Tsipuria  10.1 The Blue Horns: the Group as ‘a One Poet’  Bela Tsipuria  10.2 Galaktion Tabidze and Symbolism  Teimuraz Doiashvili 11 Symbolism and the Avant-Garde in Georgia  Gaga Lomidze 12 Soviet Totalitarianism and Georgian Literature  Irma Ratiani  12.1 Mikheil Javakhihsvili: In the Distorted Mirror of Totalitarianism  Irma Ratiani  12.2 Socialist Realism as a Discourse  Maia Jaliashvili  12.3 Georgian Women Writing in the Soviet Period  Nona Kupreishvili 13 Formation of Modern Georgian Literature  Irma Ratiani  13.1 The Western Model of Neorealism and Georgian Liberal Discourse  Manana Kvachantiradze  13.2 Ana Kalandadze  Zoya Tskhadaia 14 Georgian Youth Literature in the 1980s  Tamar Tsitsishvili and Irine Modebadze 15 Post-Soviet Georgian Literature on the Difficult Path of Transformation  Irma Ratiani and Bela Tsipuria Index