If the artists themselves are to be believed, Russian animation is in its death throes. After barely surviving the turmoil of the Soviet breakup, this beloved art form can no longer count on state support, nor can it embrace advertising, making its future uncertain at best.

The bold artists who broke with the prevailing powers of the Russian Academy set in motion a revolution in Russian art that paralleled that of the French Impressionists.

Translator Constantine Rusanov has crafted these wonderful English versions of 11 of Maximilian Voloshin's poems. They are reprinted here with permission. The copyright to the English versions remains with Mr. Rusanov. To see the English translations alongside the original Russian, download <a href="http://www.russianlife.net/pdf/voloshin.pdf">this PDF file</a>.

A look at the cats that guard one of the world's great museums.

A gallery of my favorite photographs from St. Petersburg Times photographers Alexander Belenky and Sergey Grachev.  These gentlemen have not published a picture I did not like.  My favorites are those that I feel best showcase their talents and portray Russian life and culture.

Skilled craftsman, Carl Fabergé, and his unsurpassed eggs which were presented to the Tsar's family each Easter.

Editor's book choices about Russian architecture.

Great composers of 20th century Russia. This feature includes four MIDI sound files of well-known works.

This gift from Germany to Peter I, taken away by Nazi Germany and feared to be lost forever to history has been partially reconstructed.

Editor's choice of books about Russian folklore and folktales.

The author of the Old Testament Trinityicon; his life and other works.