February 07, 2023

What Is Fair in Love and War?


What Is Fair in Love and War?
Olympic rings in front of the Hôtel de Ville, Paris's city hall.  Wikimedia Commons, DiscoA340.

The possibility of Russian and Belarusian participation in the 2024 Olympic Games has been under serious consideration by both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and spectators in response to the two countries' (mostly Russia's) aggression in Ukraine.

Thomas Bach, the current president of the IOC, said that athletes should not be punished for holding Russian passports. Bach's position provoked a resentful response from multiple EU countries as well as Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky adamantly said that neutrality is not possible if you are opening the door for oppressors. Vadym Guttzeit, Ukraine's sports minister, said, "If we are not heard, I do not rule out the possibility that we will boycott and refuse participation in the Olympics."

In response, the IOC said that "a boycott is a violation of the Olympic charter, which obliges all NOCs [national Olympic committees] to 'participate in the Games of the Olympiad by sending athletes.' As history has shown, previous boycotts did not achieve their political ends and served only to punish the athletes of the boycotting NOCs."

Since January 25, the IOC Executive Committee has been deliberating various alternatives for participation by Russian and Belarusian athletes, all of which would require: not representing their country (or any organization relative to their country) in any way, abiding by all anti-doping rules, and only accepting athletes who have not opposed the IOC's mission to promote peace.

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November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

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February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

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.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

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.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

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