Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin
Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin was a prominent Russian satirist of the 19th century. Born on January 27, 1826, in the province of Tver, he is best known for his critical and satirical portrayal of the Russian society, bureaucracy, and aristocracy. His most famous works include 'The History of a Town' and 'The Golovlyov Family'. Saltykov-Shchedrin's sharp wit and keen observations made him one of the most significant figures in Russian literature. He passed away on May 10, 1889.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Golovlyov Family
The book is a bleak portrayal of a declining Russian noble family in the 19th century, focusing on the despotic and miserly matriarch, Arina Petrovna, and her offspring, who are plagued by vice and selfishness. The narrative delves into the moral decay and hypocrisy of the family members, particularly highlighting the cruel and cunning son, Porfiry, as he manipulates and exploits those around him to gain power. Set against the backdrop of a changing Russia, the story serves as a scathing critique of the societal and spiritual failings of the Russian gentry, illustrating the corrosive effects of greed and moral bankruptcy.
The 1605th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The History Of A Town
"The History of a Town" is a satirical novel that chronicles the absurd and often grotesque history of a fictional Russian town, serving as an allegory for the bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and societal stagnation of Tsarist Russia. Through a series of vignettes and historical accounts, the narrative lampoons the town's inept leaders and the apathetic or complicit townsfolk, using dark humor and irony to critique the autocratic government and the broader socio-political climate of the time. The work is a scathing commentary on the folly of human nature and the cyclical nature of history, where progress is continually undermined by human vices and incompetence.
The 3679th Greatest Book of All Time
