Lyuben Rusev

A remarkable work in literary science is the recently published second edition of "Psychology of Literary Creativity" by Academician Mikhail Arnaudov. This work is a scientific and literary study of the psychological foundations of the creative process in writers and of its precise, albeit difficult to perceive determinism. Academician M. Arnaudov has mastered a methodology that has enabled him to make a realistic interpretation of the creative process. He applies the juxtaposition of opposing and contradictory poetic experiences and opinions, which he arranges in such a way as to highlight the objective truth about the creative process. In "Psychology of Literary Creativity" a huge amount of material from the poetic wealth of the classics of the 18th and 19th centuries is used, and mainly those confessions of poets are given that lead to the treasures of their creative thoughts and impulses. On a number of issues of literary psychology the author has discovered an opportunity for further research, indicating the path that should be followed. He usually does not lead discussions with the creators, but acts as a conductor of discussions held between them. In this way he ensures the integrity of the facts and the originality of their evidentiary force. Acad. M. Arnaudov does not strive for formulations. For him, individual peculiarities are important, which also reveal common characteristics, and at the same time lead to the laws of psychic experiences. The work is developed in a very broad plan of problems. The world's artistic and psychological experience is used, and in places parallels are made between different arts. As prerequisites for the psychology of creativity, the problems of genius, race and humanity, about the influence of heredity, environment and culture, about Mikhail Arnaudov. Psychology of literary creativity. 1965. 120 degeneration and neuroses. On these issues, the author has come to materialist conclusions. Particularly valuable is his work with arguments and evidence against all mysticism, demonism, racism and neurosis, the supporters of which most often seek evidence precisely in the work of poets, as an exceptionally wonderful area in which, they claim, the laws of ordinary mental life are invalid. The author proves to us just the opposite: creativity is health, work, perseverance, diligence, humanity and the struggle with everything painful. "Creativity is clarification and spiritual purification. How could the artist become an interpreter of thoughts and longings in his contemporaries if he does not rise above all internal limitations and above everything chaotic in himself?"