About the book: 2000 / The outstanding Russian poet, scientist and antiquarian Vyacheslav Ivanov (1866-1949) is widely known for his numerous talents. But even against this background, “Dionysus and Proto-Dyonisianism” is a unique book. Begun in 1912 in Rome, the book was completed and published only in 1923 in Baku. Vyach. Ivanov calls the religion of Dionysus “the New Testament in Hellenism,” because for the first time it establishes between man and deity a connection uniting both, experienced in the internal religious experience of enthusiastic purifications.” According to Vyach.Ivanov, Dionysianism is a kind of “anticipation” of Christianity in its most essential features. Written in a brilliant style, subtly and intelligently, this book will be a real gift to every reader..