About the book: 1963 / V. Kozhinov’s research is devoted to the problem of the origin of the novel in Western European and Russian literature. Substantiating his concept of the origin of the novel, V. Kozhinov relies on the works of Russian, Soviet and foreign scientists. The undoubted advantages of the book are its partisanship and sharpness. The author sharply and reasonably criticizes the inconsistency of theories of the withering away of the novel. Carefully tracing the deep socio-historical changes of the Renaissance in various countries, comparing these changes in the life of society with the aesthetic possibilities of old literary genres, V. Kozhinov reveals the pattern of the emergence of a new form of artistic exploration of the world. The novel turned out to be - and this is clearly and convincingly shown by the author - the most capacious, most universal literary form for the artistic study of man, considered in his new relationship to society. V. Kozhinov’s book is read with great interest and combines the depth of theoretical generalizations, genuine historicism with brightness and simplicity of presentation of thoughts.