Russian Magic Tales from Pushkin to Platonov

Russian Magic Tales from Pushkin to Platonov presents a collection of folk stories and literary fairy tales spanning two centuries of Russian storytelling. The anthology includes works from authors like Alexander Pushkin, Nadezhda Teffi, and Pavel Bazhov, alongside traditional folk narratives. Translator Robert Chandler provides historical context through introductory notes that situate each tale within Russia's literary and cultural landscape. The collection features familiar character types like Baba Yaga and the Firebird, while introducing lesser-known figures from Russian folklore. The anthology documents how Russian writers adapted and transformed traditional folk material into literary works during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The tales range from straightforward retellings of folk stories to original works that incorporate folkloric elements. These stories reflect deeper currents in Russian culture - the tension between old and new, the relationship between humans and nature, and the enduring power of transformation. Through both simple folk tales and complex literary works, the collection reveals how magical narratives helped shape Russian identity.

Readers found this collection offers both famous and lesser-known Russian folktales, with helpful cultural context from editor Robert Chandler. Readers appreciated: - The detailed notes explaining Russian customs and references - Mix of familiar tales with rare ones not previously translated - Clear translations that maintain the stories' original tone - Historical background about each author and tale Common criticisms: - Some found the academic introductions too dense - A few readers wanted more tales and fewer explanatory notes - Several mentioned the book feels more scholarly than entertaining Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (31 ratings) One reader noted: "The contextual information helps understand Russian culture far better than just reading the stories alone." Another wrote: "Expected more actual tales rather than analysis - feels like a textbook at times." The reviews indicate this works better as a reference/study aid than a casual reading collection.

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🌟 Before becoming a celebrated translator of Russian literature, Robert Chandler taught English in the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War in 1973. 🌟 The collection features tales that survived primarily through oral tradition, passed down by professional storytellers called skaziteli who would travel from village to village. 🌟 Alexander Pushkin, whose work is featured in the collection, gathered many of his fairy tale inspirations from his childhood nanny, Arina Rodionovna, who was formerly a serf. 🌟 Many Russian magic tales include the character of Baba Yaga, a supernatural being who lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs and can rotate to face approaching visitors. 🌟 The book brings together both traditional folk tales and their literary retellings by authors such as Platonov and Teffi, showing how ancient stories evolved through different historical periods in Russia.