There's not a bathing suit in Russia & other bare facts

A delightfully irreverent set of sketches, this collection finds a satirist’s eye on everything from Russian aristocracy to aviators, vodka to free love, and the absurdities of everyday politics. In the opening act the narrator riff’s on the mythic “bathing suit” of Russia, turning grand‑dukes, princesses and secret police into punchy characters who pop up in cafés, taxis and even telephone booths. The humor swings between dead‑pan observation and lively anecdote, inviting listeners to imagine a world where every ex‑noble is a distant relative of the czar and every headline about Russia is a chance for a fresh quip.

Illustrated by Herb Roth, the pieces are accompanied by whimsical drawings that enhance the witty prose, making the listening experience feel like a casual stroll through a vintage newsroom. With a conversational cadence and a keen sense of the ridiculous, the book offers a snapshot of 1920s commentary that feels both historically vivid and timelessly funny.