Alexander Pushkin is considered by many to be Russia s greatest poet, and through his poems as well as his experimentation with other genresdramas, short stories, prose novelshe influenced generations of Russian and international writers. This exquisite biography examines Pushkin as writer, lover, and public figure, exploring his relationship with politics and providing a fascinating glimpse of the turbulent history that surrounded Pushkin s life. This is a succinct and sympathetic guide to understanding Russia s most celebrated literary figure."