Художній стиль давньоруського книжника: теоретичний аспект.

The article intends to systematize theoretical knowledge about determining art style as a literary category. We thoroughly examine classic works regarding art style issue. Their small number is caused by the principle common in philology to see the category of style as a linguistic one. Therefore, analysing literary studies is highly relevant for current issue to be resolved. We use the methods of observation, comparison and analysis in the research. Its novelty is in a systematic clarification of how exactly philosophers, culturologists and literary scholars understand art and literary style, what are the other categories they connect it with, how they differ a medieval writer’s style and “epoch style”. We observe development of knowledge on this issue and enhanced understanding of art style, individual style, literary style and “epoch style”. The research emphasizes specificity of perceiving the category of style in the Middle Ages. The conclusion addresses indissoluble relationship between “epoch styles” typical for this period and a human outlook with medieval christian vision of the world, its regularity, justness and subjection to divine idea. The article final part provides a short essay on further developments when a medieval worldview gives place to another conscience with another aesthetics.