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On this, the occasion of the great writer's 200th birthday, we offer some links to stories we have published about him over the years, as well as some cool videos. Happy reading and viewing!

Kefir is the most popular fermented milk in Russia. But it did not get there overnight. Kefir and Russia have a long history...

These eight outstanding Soviet comedies show ​​some of what has made Russians laugh over the past century. Most are still watched today. (First in our new series on learning about Russia through its films.)

On October 14, 1991, St. Basil’s Cathedral was reopened after six decades. Here are five fun facts in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Cathedral’s rebirth.

A comprehensive listing of resources, online and off, for researching your Russian roots, courtesy of Ginny Audet.

Peace! Land! Bread! This was the battle cry of the 1917 October Revolution (old calendar) that changed the history of Russia and indeed the entire world. Since the time of Ivan the Terrible, the tsars concentrated on centralization of their power and control. The most common way of doing this was to take power away from the nobility, appeasing them by giving them dominion over their land and workers. This soon developed into the oppressive, slave-style condition known as serfdom.

Siberian sable fur was once Russia's biggest luxury export, but now we can't get enough of Instagram star Umora, the sable inspiring Russians to never look at fur coats again.

How it was that in the eighteenth century Russian mythology was trumped-up in the Western manner? Who wanted it? And where did we get Lel, Yarilo and Zimtserla? We explain everything you'd want to know about Russian fakelore.

Some of the best Russian and Soviet films about World War II that you can stream online.

A look at how the Jesuits, Pope Francis, and Georgetown University all share an interesting connection to Russia.

What do radio, television, the periodic table, and helicopters have in common? Russians were involved in developing all of them – and more!

It is a common trope that Russians never smile. Which of course is interpreted to mean they are unfriendly, gloomy, sullen – positively Dostoyevskian. This, of course, is a complete misreading of body language and cultural norms.

Why is Georgian food so popular in Russia? Turns out there's more to it than deliciousness.

After a year of horrific war, why does a magazine like Russian Life continue? Why not simply wash our hands of it and walk away?

The body of Joseph Stalin was removed from the mausoleum on Red Square on October 31, 1961. It may not be as spooky as Halloween, but the former leader still haunts Russia today.

Recounting a 2008 meeting with activist Alexei Navalny, before he rose to prominence.

America is a land built by immigrants. We researched famous Americans with Russian roots and offer this compilation.

A lovely short film on Brighton Beach's Your Highness Babushka Beauty Contest.

Russia’s Ministry of Health discussed ways vodka can affect the coronavirus (spoiler alert: not much).

June 22, 2020, marks the 79th anniversary of Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of Russia that changed the course of WWII and, perhaps, history itself.

Forget vodka – dessert is the best part of Russian meals.

Russian literature has an answer for everything. In the times of coronovirus, this is your guide.

On the occasion of Pushkin's birthday, we offer a post on the challenge of translating his most famous love lyrics, "Я вас любил," with a bonus look at Innokenty Annensky's "Среди миров."