TRAVELOGUE: TRAVELLING OF THE GENRE AND THE GENRE OF TRAVELLING

Abstract

The subject of the article is the genre of travelogue that has not yet a final definition in modern literature study. History of the genre, as well as such literary phenomenon as literary travel are examined. Development of the genre is briefly characterized in Russian and foreign literature, sources of origin of the travelogue are traced. Until recent time a literary work with a travel as a plot-generating element was traditionally named as a travel or literary travel. The article gives examples of wide usage of the term “travelogue” even referring to the works of last centuries. For the first time the term “travelogue” is viewed from the etymological point of view, connection between the word-building model of the term and its meaning in Russian literature study is demonstrated. The term, its origin and definition in Russian and foreign literature study are analyzed in details. Creation of the term is connected with the name of Burton Holmes, a famous American traveller. The article demonstrates transformation of the meaning of the word “travelogue”: from lectures about travelling and showing photos to the name of a literary genre and rooting in literature study lexicon. In the research methods of comparative-historical analysis were used, that helped to reveal some peculiarities of establishing and development of the genre of travelogue. Some views on the genre are given, Russian and foreign scientists. Originality of the research is the examination of the genre from the point of view of its origin, peculiarity and also perception in Russian and foreign literature study. Results of the research can be used in lectures and practical works on literature, conducting special courses and seminars.

Keywords

• travelogue
• travel
• genre
• imagology
• development of the genre
• travel literature
• image of the other