# Doctor Zhivago

> 1957 historical novel by Boris Pasternak

**Wikidata**: [Q206870](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206870)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Zhivago_(novel))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/doctor-zhivago-q206870

## Summary
*Doctor Zhivago* is a 1957 historical novel by Boris Pasternak, depicting the Russian Revolution and its aftermath through the eyes of its protagonist, Yuri Zhivago. The novel is widely recognized for its literary excellence and its controversial publication history, including its initial banning in the Soviet Union. It is considered one of the most significant works of 20th-century literature.

## Key Facts
- *Doctor Zhivago* is a historical novel published in 1957.
- The novel was written by Boris Pasternak, a Russian writer born in 1890 and deceased in 1960.
- The work was first conceived around 1945 and completed in 1956, with its publication following in 1957.
- It was first published by the Italian publisher Feltrinelli in the same year.
- The novel is classified as both a literary work and a historical novel.
- It belongs to the genres of historical fiction and literary fiction.
- The book is set in the Soviet Union, a country in Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991.
- The novel is associated with the literary work class, which includes written works read for enjoyment or edification.
- Pasternak is associated with the Soviet Union, having been a citizen there.
- Feltrinelli, an Italian publishing house established in 1954, published the novel in Europe.
- The book's inception is dated to 1945, though it was not published until 1957.
- The work has 54 site links, indicating its presence across multiple language versions of online platforms.
- The novel is part of the cultural and literary heritage of the 20th century.

## FAQs
### What is the genre of *Doctor Zhivago*?
*Doctor Zhivago* is a historical novel and part of the historical fiction genre. It is a work of literature that explores the impact of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath, combining real historical events with fictional storytelling.

### Why was *Doctor Zhivago* controversial in the Soviet Union?
The novel was banned in the Soviet Union due to its critical portrayal of the revolution and its aftermath, which was seen as ideologically subversive. This led to its initial publication being blocked within the USSR, and it was first published abroad by Feltrinelli, an Italian publishing house.

### When was *Doctor Zhivago* first published?
It was first published in 1957 by Feltrinelli, the same year it was completed. The work itself was conceived around 1945.

### Who is Boris Pasternak?
Boris Pasternak, the author of *Doctor Zhivago*, was a Russian writer born in 1890 and died in 1960. He was a poet, novelist, and translator, and held multiple literary and academic roles.

### What is the significance of the publisher Feltrinelli?
Feltrinelli, an Italian publishing house founded in 1954, was responsible for the first publication of *Doctor Zhivago* outside the Soviet Union. This publication led to international recognition, including a Nobel Prize for Boris Pasternak.

## Why It Matters
*Doctor Zhivago* is significant for its literary excellence and its role in challenging the political and cultural climate of the Soviet Union. The novel's critical perspective on the Russian Revolution led to its banning in the USSR, which in turn sparked international attention and controversy. Its publication by Feltrinelli in Italy brought it global recognition, and it remains a symbol of artistic resistance. The novel also played a key role in Boris Pasternak receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958, though he was forced to decline it under political pressure. The work is a cornerstone of 200+ million books published in the historical novel genre and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century literature.

## Notable For
- Being one of the most controversial literary works in Soviet history due to its ban by the USSR government.
- First published abroad, leading to international acclaim and the author being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958.
- Its publication history, including the political fallout from the Soviet Union's censorship, makes it a landmark in the Cold War era of literature.
- Its author, Boris Pasternak, was a prominent Russian writer and poet, whose work is considered a literary treasure of the 20th century.
- The novel is also notable for its deep exploration of the human condition during the Russian Revolution, making it a defining work of historical fiction.

## Body

### History
The inception of *Doctor Zhivago* is traced to 1945, though it was not completed until 1956 and published in 1957. The novel was written by Boris Pasternak, a Russian writer known for his literary and poetic contributions. The work was first published by Feltrinelli, an Italian publishing house established in 1954, which brought the novel to an international audience. The book was banned in the Soviet Union due to its critical stance on the revolution, leading to its initial publication outside the USSR. This ban contributed to its global notoriety and the political controversy surrounding its author, Boris Pasternak.

### Related Entities
Boris Pasternak was born in 1890 and died in 1960. He was a citizen of the Soviet Union and is known for his work as a poet, novelist, and translator. His work is associated with the country of the Soviet Union, which was incepted on December 30, 1 of 1991. The Soviet Union is a former country in Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. Feltrinelli, the Italian publishing house, was responsible for the novel's first publication outside the Soviet Union. The novel is part of the literary work class and is considered part of the historical fiction and historical novel genres.

### Cultural Impact and Recognition
The novel's critical reception and international success led to Boris Pasternak being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958, though he was forced to decline it under political pressure. The work is a significant part of 20th-century literary heritage and is recognized for its artistic and historical value. It is also a symbol of resistance to censorship and a landmark in Cold War literature. The work has 54 site links, indicating its widespread recognition and availability in multiple languages and cultures.

### Notable Aspects
The novel is part of the historical novel and historical fiction genres. It is also part of the literary work class, which includes written works read for enjoyment or edification. The work is set in the Soviet Union, a former country in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. The book is linked to the Italian publisher Feltrinelli, which published the novel in 1957. The work is also associated with the historical novel and literary fiction genres. The book is part of the cultural and literary heritage of the 20th century. The work has 54 site links, indicating its presence across multiple language versions of online platforms. The work is part of the historical novel and literary fiction genres.

## References

1. [Boris Pasternak. Hoover Institution. 2007](https://web.archive.org/web/20120813175527/http://www.hoover.org/multimedia/slide-shows/28537)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Doctor Zhivago by Boris Leonidovich Pasternak | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL258301W/%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80_%D0%96%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%BE?edition=key%3A/books/OL39804749M)
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
5. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute