The Penguin Book of Russian Poetry

The Penguin Book of Russian Poetry presents a comprehensive anthology of Russian verse spanning from the late 18th century through the modern era. The collection features works from major poets like Pushkin and Akhmatova alongside lesser-known voices, all presented in English translation with the original Russian text. Editors Robert Chandler, Boris Dralyuk, and Irina Mashinski curate selections that showcase both canonical works and hidden gems of Russian poetry. The translations maintain fidelity to form and meter while capturing the distinctive voices of individual poets. The anthology includes biographical notes, historical context, and commentary that situates each poet within Russian literary tradition. These supplementary materials provide essential background for readers new to Russian poetry. This collection reveals the deep connections between Russian poetry and the nation's social upheavals, spiritual questioning, and cultural transformations. The works engage with themes of exile, political resistance, love, and the eternal human search for meaning.

Readers value this anthology's scope and variety of translations, covering both famous and lesser-known Russian poets from the 18th to 20th centuries. Many note the helpful context provided by biographical notes and historical commentary. Positives: - Multiple translations of the same poems allow comparison - Strong representation of poets beyond Pushkin and Akhmatova - Clear explanations of Russian poetic forms and meters - High quality paper and binding Negatives: - Some translations criticized as too literal, losing poetic impact - Several readers wanted more contemporary poets - A few note inconsistent translation quality between contributors Ratings: Goodreads: 4.39/5 (82 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (46 ratings) Sample review: "This collection strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and scholarly depth. The parallel texts are invaluable for those learning Russian." - Goodreads reviewer "My only complaint is the abrupt cutoff at 1960 - modern Russian poetry deserves similar treatment." - Amazon reviewer

The Complete Poems of Anna Akhmatova by Peter Norman and Jeanne van der Eng-Liedmeier This collection presents the complete works of one of Russia's most significant poets, translated with attention to her distinctive voice and historical context.

Russian Poetry: From Pushkin to Brodsky by Yevgeny Yevtushenko This anthology spans two centuries of Russian verse, featuring both the original Russian text and English translations of works from the Golden Age through the Soviet period.

An Age Ago: A Selection of Nineteenth-Century Russian Poetry by Alan Myers The volume focuses on the lesser-known poets of Russia's nineteenth century, providing translations that capture the period's literary movements and social upheavals.

Contemporary Russian Poetry: An Anthology by Gerald S. Smith This collection presents post-Soviet Russian poetry from 1991 to the present, documenting the transformation of Russian verse after the fall of communism.

Modern Russian Poetry: An Anthology with Verse Translations by Vladimir Markov and Merrill Sparks The book offers a comprehensive selection of Russian modernist poetry from the early twentieth century, including works from both mainstream and underground poets.

🎭 Robert Chandler, the editor and translator, has won multiple awards for his translations of Russian literature, including the AATSEEL Award for his work on Vasily Grossman's "Life and Fate." 📚 The anthology spans three centuries of Russian poetry, from the 18th to the 20th century, including works that were banned or censored during the Soviet era. ✍️ Many of the poems in the collection were translated collaboratively by Robert Chandler, his wife Elizabeth, and other distinguished translators, bringing different perspectives to each piece. 🏆 The book includes works from both celebrated poets like Pushkin and Akhmatova, and lesser-known voices who were silenced or marginalized during their lifetimes. 🗯️ Several poems in the collection were preserved through oral tradition when written versions were destroyed or banned, demonstrating the resilience of Russian poetic culture under oppression.