Summary

This monograph tackles a scientific problem of «comprehensive» introduction of Shakespeare's contribution to the development of European literature, Russian culture, aesthetics, the everyday culture of the European countries in the 17—19th centuries. The key moments and forms of European and Russian cultures' acquirement of Shakespeare's creative heritage are emphasized. The concept of the cult of Shakespeare is developed. The main stages of its formation and development in the literature and artistic culture of Europe from the moment of its beginning till the 19th century are characterized; its functioning in the cultures of England, France, and Germany is revealed. A special attention is paid to the «cult of Shakespeare» in Russia. An extended section is concerned with the research on the Shakespeare reception in Pushkin's works. Within the framework of the research the concepts «Shakespearisation» (a phenomenon that is more typical for the culture of Western Europe) and «Shakespearianism» (a phenomenon that has become apparent most of all in the oeuvres of Russian writers) are revealed. In the contemporary history in the world culture a tendency has been in contemplation. This tendency is defined as «neo-Shakespearianism». It consists in an unprecedented interest in the creative works of Shakespeare. And all these tendencies («cult of Shakespeare», «Shakespearisation», «Shakespearianism», «neo-Shakespearianism», «Shakespeare Industry») are defined by the authors of the project as «Shakespeare-sphere» («Shakespearean sphere»).