July 07, 2024

Russia Readies for More War


Russia Readies for More War
Russia's former flagship, the Moskva, which is now on the bottom of the Black Sea. George Chernilevsky, Wikimedia Commons

In a recent meeting with Russian shipbuilding magnates, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the need for the Russian Armed Forces to strengthen themselves in the face of growing international tensions.

Putin specifically noted the need to build up Russia's navy and cited "actions" already occurring; Russia's ongoing War in Ukraine, of course, not being mentioned but hinted at.

Which is interesting, given Russia's spotty record on that front when it comes to military hardware. Most notably, Russia's flagship, the Moskva, was sunk in April 2022 by Ukrainian anti-ship missiles.

Russian officials initially claimed the sinking was caused by a fire, which ignited a munitions store onboard.

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Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Moscow and Muscovites
November 26, 2013

Moscow and Muscovites

Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

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February 01, 2010

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This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

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