The humour of Russia

This anthology gathers some of the finest Russian comic sketches, bringing the sharp wit of nineteenth‑century masters to English ears. The editor’s introduction sets the stage, noting how laughter can be both a national treasure and a universal bridge, even when the subtle ironies of Russian life risk being lost in translation. Readers will find brief but vivid pieces by Gogol, Shchedrin and others, each revealing the dry, melancholy humor that rose from the empire’s sobering streets.

The centerpiece offers two previously untranslated Gogol gems: the bizarre, fever‑driven entries of “A Madman's Diary” and the satirical courtroom chaos of “Marriage.” In the diary, a low‑ranking clerk spirals into grandiose delusions, exposing the absurdities of bureaucratic ambition with a haunting blend of pathos and slapstick. “Marriage” follows a nervous groom‑to‑be as he navigates a parade of eccentric relatives, turning ordinary social rituals into a parade of misunderstandings that sparkle with both cruelty and compassion. Together they showcase Gogol’s talent for turning ordinary Russian folly into timeless comedy.