Rhymes from the Russian : $b Being faithful translations of selections from the best Russian poets

Step into the heart of Russian verse with a selection that spans the grand epics of Pushkin to the intimate musings of Lermontov, all rendered in careful, word‑by‑word English. The translator’s commitment to “faithfulness” lets listeners hear the original rhythm and emotion, whether it’s the soaring optimism of a soldier’s ballad or the quiet melancholy of a peasant’s prayer. Familiar names sit alongside lesser‑known voices, offering a panoramic glimpse of a culture that has cherished poetry across every class.

Each poem arrives as a short, vivid portrait: an angel’s midnight song, a lone sailor’s restless voyage, a humble thank‑you to a fickle fate. The language remains accessible, making the collection inviting for those new to Russian literature as well as for seasoned students seeking authentic phrasing. Listening feels like strolling through 19th‑century streets, hearing voices that once echoed in salons, taverns, and fields, all preserved with respect for the original spirit.