First part of Tolstoy's War and Peace (titled "The Year 1805") published in Russkiye Vedomosti. Part 2 published in November.

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

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

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.

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

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.)

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