History of Ancient Georgian Literature – 1987 Academic Edition by Kekelidze & Baramidze

Discover one of the most important scholarly works on the literary heritage of Georgia with this 1987 edition of History of Ancient Georgian Literature (ძველი ქართული ლიტერატურის ისტორია). Published by Tbilisi University Press, this authoritative volume combines the pioneering research of renowned Georgian scholars Korneli Kekelidze and Aleksandre Baramidze, offering a comprehensive history of Georgian literature from its earliest Christian writings through the eighteenth century.

Recognized as a foundational reference in Kartvelian studies, Georgian philology, and medieval Caucasian history, this book remains an essential resource for researchers, students, collectors, and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Georgia.

A Comprehensive Survey of Ancient Georgian Literature

The book traces more than thirteen centuries of literary development, examining the evolution of Georgian writing, religious texts, historical chronicles, and secular literature.

Major topics include:

• Early Georgian Christian literature
• Hagiography and the lives of saints
• Ecclesiastical prose from the 5th–12th centuries
• Medieval Georgian chronicles
• Christian philosophy and theological writings
• The literary traditions surrounding St. Nino
• Giorgi Mtatsmindeli and medieval monastic scholarship
• The rise of secular literature
• Georgian epic poetry and medieval authors
• The development of Georgian literature through the 18th century

The first section follows the original research of Korneli Kekelidze, while the later historical periods were expanded and completed by Aleksandre Baramidze, making this edition one of the standard academic references on the subject.

Printed in Georgian

The main text is entirely printed in Georgian (Mkhedruli script). The volume also includes a parallel Russian-language title page and bibliographic information, reflecting the bilingual publishing standards of Soviet academic institutions.

Book Details

• Title: ძველი ქართული ლიტერატურის ისტორია (History of Ancient Georgian Literature)
• Authors: Korneli Kekelidze & Aleksandre Baramidze
• Publisher: Tbilisi University Press
• Place of Publication: Tbilisi, Georgian SSR
• Year: 1987
• Language: Georgian (with Russian title page and publication details)
• Binding: Original textured faux-leather hardcover
• Country of Manufacture: USSR (Soviet Georgia)

Condition

Very good vintage condition. The textured faux-leather hardcover is well preserved with only minor shelf wear, including light rubbing on the lower right edge. The binding is firm and secure, and the interior pages are clean, crisp, complete, and free of writing, highlighting, or modern annotations. Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition.

Perfect For

• Georgian literature collectors
• Caucasian studies libraries
• Kartvelian language researchers
• Medieval history enthusiasts
• Orthodox Christian history collections
• Soviet academic book collectors
• University and research libraries
• Georgian philology scholars
• Rare Georgian-language books
• Vintage Soviet publications