Coincidences in the History of Culture. Coincidences and Failures that Paved the Way for Masterpieces

Svyatoslav Ivanov — indie journalist, writer, author of the blog «Letters-Frames-Sounds».

It happened that a genius idea came to mind along with an apple falling on that head. It happened that a legendary work was created simply because someone urgently needed money. It happened that a talented person was forced to work by some fool and scammer. And it also happened that a talented person was himself a fool and a scammer — but fate picks him up and elevates him to Olympus, Parnassus, or first place on the Billboard chart.

In his book «Coincidences in the History of Culture», Svyatoslav Ivanov meticulously examines the oddities and blunders that helped Dante, Dostoevsky, Hollywood directors, and others enter history.

What mystifications and outright jokes influenced the appearance of bestsellers? How did hip-hop emerge due to a power failure? How did fans influence the formation of the literary canon? Let’s recall the story of Frankenstein’s monster, the film «Jaws», iconic scenes from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and more.