September 01, 2012 1812 First Person It gave birth to the greatest novel ever written, brought down Napoleon, reshaped Europe, led to the end of serfdom, the invention of terrorism, and, eventually, the end of tsarism. It was tremendous folly, horrific hubris and astounding heroism. And it happened 200 years ago this fall. We turn to people who lived through the War of 1812 for their first person accounts. History Memoir War
September 01, 2012 Rising Stars, Falling Stars On rising and falling television stars, the TV ban on activist Ksenia Sobchak, and international support for Pussy Riot. Social Issues
September 01, 2012 A Cold Wind Blowing? On the recent spate of screw-tightening measures by the Russian government. Politics
September 01, 2012 Russia' First Iron Road On the founding of the first Russian railroad, between St. Petersburg and Tsarskoye Selo. Service began October 30, 1837. Transportation
August 14, 2012 The New Dissidents The three women - Maria Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich & Nadezhda Tolokonnikova - on trial in Russia for "hooliganism" for their punk rock performance in Savior's Cathedral, made long closing statements last week. While people can debate the women's tactics, it is excruciatingly difficult after reading their statements to doubt that the women are serious, thoughtful and extremely articulate critics of authoritarianism in Russia. Russia File
July 01, 2012 Flipping Publishing We have an ambitious, exciting new publishing project, so we are turning to you, our Tribe of Russophiles and bibliophiles, to partner with us.
July 01, 2012 The Blessing of Language In early June, a noisy, colorful band landed in Manhattan: Thirty Russian authors, two dozen publishers, as many journalists, and half as many organizers.
July 01, 2012 Chernobyl, Chechnya and a bit of Scifi A review of "Visit Sunny Chernobyl," by Andrew Blackwell, "Sniper" by Nicolai Lilin, "Roadside Picnic" by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, and Natasha Borzilova's new CD, "Out of My Hands."
July 01, 2012 Collective Vision Against the grim backdrop of Stalin's rise, Sergei Gerasimov painted a radiant image of collectivism. While politically propagandistic, it makes beautiful use of light and mood. And it features a collective feast where surely Sour Cabbage - this issue's recipe - would be welcome.