A Slav Soul, and Other Stories

A Slav Soul, and Other Stories offers a vibrant window into the heart of pre-revolutionary Russia through the eyes of one of its most versatile masters, Aleksandr Kuprin. Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on the aristocracy, Kuprin was celebrated for his "muscular" prose and his deep empathy for the common man, the misfit, and the animal kingdom.

This collection of fifteen stories showcases Kuprin’s range, from the poignant title story "A Slav Soul" to the beloved children’s classic "The White Poodle." His writing vibrates with the sights and sounds of Russian life — whether it's the chaotic energy of a village festival in "The Song and the Dance" or the psychological tension found in "The Picture." Known as the "Russian Kipling," Kuprin weaves themes of justice, instinct, and the inherent dignity of all living things, making this collection an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the true "Slavic soul."

This translation by Stephen Graham was originally published in 1916.