This famous collection of Soviet satire from 1918 to 1963 devastatingly
lampoons the social, economic, and cultural changes wrought by the
Russian Revolution. Among the seventeen bold and inventive comic writers
represented here are the brilliant Mikhail Bulgakov, author of The
Master and Margarita, Ilf and Petrov, Mikhail Zoshchenko, Yevgeny
Zamyatin, Valentin Katayev, and Yuri Kazakov. "Amusing and excellent
reading. The stories in this collection tell the reader more about
Soviet life than a dozen sociological or political tracts." - Isaac
Bashevis Singer; "An altogether admirable collection . . . by the highly
talented translator Mirra Ginsburg . . . Many of these stories and
sketches are delicious, even-a miracle!-funny, and full of subtlety and
intelligence." - The New Leader; "Hilarious entertainment. Beyond this
it illuminates with the cruel light of satire the reality behind the
pretentious façade of the Soviet state." - The Sunday Sun (Baltimore).