Russian Poetry

There are few better ways to discover the identity of a nation or people than by reading their poetry. From historical events to moral values to the political landscape (and often visions of the actual landscape), poetry, at its best, reveals the soul of a people. And Russia has offered us some of the very best. Although literary giants such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy sometimes seem to have taken the lion's share of acclaim among Russian authors, there are others we cannot afford to overlook - and you'll have the privilege of encountering some of them in this collection. Each of these poets tells a piece of Russia's story. From Alexander Pushkin, arguably the greatest poet Russia has ever produced, who began to push back against autocracy in his poetry (despite being born into aristocratic privilege), to Mikhail Lermontov, who is often credited with writing the first Russian psychological novel (think, the precedent to novels like Anna Karenina), each poet in this book has played a significant role in shaping Russian thought and culture, even as they sought to mirror and articulate it in their art. And yet, while these authors sought to capture thoughts and sentiments from a particular location, nationality, and moment in history, they have simultaneously captured what it means to be human. Maikov's "The Mother" reveals universal truths about motherhood, even as the lullaby she sings may be unfamiliar to us. Pushkin's "(To My Wife)" resonates with everyone who has enjoyed the sweetness of a familiar lover, even though we've never met the characters in his poem. My hope is that you'll approach this book both as a piece of the Russian story, and as a piece of the human story. Whether you're seeking to learn something about Russian culture or something about yourself, you'll find this collection offers a glance into every arena of life: love, politics, loneliness, suffering, and faith - and that the messages within these poems transcend the time and space in which they were written. One additional note must be made - indeed, it is crucial to address the fact that these works have been translated from the original Russian into English. With any translation, no matter how skilled, something is lost - a rhythmic element, a subtle play on words. However, some translations are far superior to others. I truly believe this translator has skillfully woven together the original meaning and heart of the text. Subtleties such as emotional connotation, rhythm, and sound have been reproduced whenever possible, allowing us to experience the tone and mood most likely intended by the author. This is not an easy feat, and I hope you'll take time to appreciate the translator's skill and the creative investment that went into making these works accessible to us. Thank you for taking the time to explore some of the most influential poets in Russian literature. May you linger over particularly beautiful passages as you encounter a nation through its poetry. My sincerest thanks, Christopher Col