Krylov on democracy and how leaders are chosen: "However just the rules and laws, in unjust hands or beaks or paws they can be bent to serve the goal of leaders loath to lose control."

Our translator of Krylov's difficult fables shares how she approaches translation of this most colloquial of poets.

Krylov on how one negotiates with wolves. Hint: one doesn't. "Of wolves I’ve learned a thing or two. With them there’s only one sure truce."

Pavel Bazhov, Russia's greatest modern fabulist, had a complicated and eventful life.

The story of a real-life military factory told through monologues collected from anonymized workers, managers, and engineers. (novel excerpt)

Russia’s best known poet was born 250 years ago, and his last name was not Pushkin.

Fyodor Tyutchev (whose 115th birthday is today) was endowed with genius and good luck: a great Russian poet, he was not killed in a duel or in the Caucasus.  Nor did he rot in Siberia, but instead lived until he was 70 and died in his own bed. 

Everyone in Russia knows the great writer Ivan Turgenev, whose 200th birthday is today, and they make his acquaintance in three stages. 

The writer Eduard Uspensky passed away recently. In this language section, we look back at one of his contributions to Russian literature and folklore.

A look back at year end stock-taking, at changes that have been promised in years past, and promises that have been un-kept.

In which we review The Anna Karenina Fix: Life Lessions from Russian Literature, by Viv Groskop, and Restless Empire, by Ian Barnes.

An American writer consumed by Anna Karenina goes in search of the great writer’s little-known refuge beyond the Volga, near Samara.