Sulamith

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1908, Alexander Kuprin's novella «Sulamith» is one of his most renowned works. It is based on the biblical «Song of Songs» and tells the tale of King Solomon's love for the simple girl Sulamith. Kuprin masterfully conveys the atmosphere of the ancient East, creating vivid and picturesque images. The book had a significant impact on early 20th-century Russian literature, drawing attention to the theme of eternal and all-consuming love. «Sulamith» also contributed to the popularization of biblical themes in the artistic literature of that time, inspiring many writers and artists to create works based on sacred texts.