Problems of interpretation of the novel "What is to be done?" by N.G. Chernyshevsky in academic and literary criticism (1863-2010)

The article presents new pereodisation of academic and critical works devoted to Nikolay Chernyshevsky. New historical circumstances call for re-evaluation not only Chernyshevsky's literary works but also works academic and literary criticism on the subject. The presented pereodisation is based on the trends of development in modern Russian and foreign literary studies and conceptual changes which took place in the area of research devoted to Chernyshevsky over the last twenty years. The perspectives of further research in this aspect are described and the review of the most significant works is made.