Ruslan and Lyudmila

A new verse translation of Pushkin's first major work, a fantastic narrative poem based on Russian folklore that later inspired Glinka's famous opera Spirited away by the evil sorcerer Chernomer, Lyudmila awaits rescue by her beloved Ruslan. Before he can secure her release, however, the gallant Ruslan must first endure all the trials and tribulations that a malevolent world can throw at him. Full of daring adventure, and peopled with an extraordinary collection of magicaland monstrouscharacters, the resulting epic is a brilliantly ironic retelling of the medieval fairytale world of evil sorcerers, chivalrous knights, and damsels in distress.

Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) was a dramatist and poet, penning such influential works as Eugene Onegin and Boris Godunov. He is now considered the father of modern Russian literature. Roger Clarke has translated other works of Pushkin, including Boris Godunov, Eugene Onegin, and The Little Tragedies.