Sklov

Sklov (also spelled *Sklov* or *Sklovsky*) refers to a surname of Slavic origin, primarily associated with individuals from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The name derives from the Old Slavic word *sklovo*, meaning "forest" or "wood," and is often linked to occupations or locations related to woodworking or forestry.

One notable figure bearing this surname is **Viktor Shklovsky** (1893–1984), a Russian writer, literary critic, and theorist. Shklovsky is best known for his contributions to Russian Formalism, a school of literary criticism that emphasized the formal aspects of art and literature. His 1917 essay *"Art as Device"* (*Искусство как приём*, *Iskusstvo kak priyom*) introduced the concept of *ostranenie* (defamiliarization), arguing that art functions by making familiar objects seem strange, thereby restoring perception. Shklovsky’s works also include experimental fiction, such as *The Zoo, or Letters Not About Love* (1923), which blends autobiography, satire, and surrealism.

The surname appears in various spellings due to transliteration differences, including *Shklovsky*, *Shklovskiy*, or *Shklovskii*. While not as widely recognized as some other Slavic names, it remains tied to literary and intellectual history, particularly in 20th-century Russian culture. Outside literature, the name is relatively uncommon in modern usage, appearing primarily in academic or historical contexts.