Donka Petkanova-Toteva

We have always admired the remarkable generalizing thought of D. S. Likhachev and his broad erudition, which allow him to look in a new, extremely original way at a number of problems in old Russian literature - to a large extent problems of Bulgarian literature as well - and to express convincing new views, directing scientific research to unexplored areas. However, his article "Old Slavonic Literatures as a System" (Literary Thought, vol. 1, 1969) particularly excites us, because, as is known, it specifically addresses problems of Old Bulgarian literature and a number of fundamental questions that relate in general to the character and development of Old Slavonic literatures. A large part of the thoughts expressed by D. S. Likhachev are the result of insightful observations and cannot be ignored by Slavic scholars in their scientific research work on their native literature. Other opinions disturb with their categorical generalization or prompt reflection, as they subject traditional concepts and understandings to reassessment. The article by D. S. Likhachev invites a thorough and comprehensive examination of Old Bulgarian literature on the level of modern science.