A poem from the new volume Alcestis of the Underworld, by a regular translator of works published by Russian Life Books.

Russia thaws. People have thoughts. Not always good ones.

I can’t imagine a cleverer or more perverse way of presenting “the first political biography” of Mikhail Sholokhov (1905-1975) than as if from the conscience-addled Sholokhov’s perspective.

A poem by Maxim Amelin, translated by Derek Mong and Anne O. Fisher.

W.W. Norton has released a new translation, by Michael Katz, of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s classic novel. We excerpt here the novel’s opening.

Russia's Central Bank believes people's financial illiteracy and economic troubles stem from bad messaging in Russian folk tales. Could it be true?

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.