This new translation by Richard Freeborn makes Turgenev's masterpiece about the conflict between generations seem as fresh, outspoken, and exciting and it was to those readers who first encountered its famous hero. The controversial portrayal of Bazarow, the 'nihilist' or 'new man' shocked russian society when the novel was published in 1862. The image of humanity liberated by science from age-old conformities and prejudices is one that can threaten establishments of ant political or religious persuasion, and is especially potent at the present time.
