Ruslan and Ludmila

D. M. Thomas's translation of Alexander Pushkin's epic magic-realist tale "Ruslan and Ludmila" brings the poem to life, recounting the abduction of Princess Ludmila by the evil wizard Chernomor and the brave knight Ruslan's quest to rescue her. The poem is a vibrant blend of traditional chivalry, outrageous humor, and exciting escapades, showcasing Pushkin's astonishing imagination.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 144 pages
\n Publication date: 07 February 2019
\n Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
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Alexander Pushkin's epic magic-realist tale is brought vividly to life in this superb translation by D. M. Thomas. Drawing on the Russian folklore of Pushkin's childhood, the poem recounts the abduction of Princess Ludmila by the evil wizard Chernomor and the attempt by the brave knight Ruslan to rescue his bride. Ruslan must embark on a perilous quest, encountering an intriguing cast of characters – including a hermit, a witch, and a pugnacious floating head – before he can be reunited with his love.

Ruslan and Ludmila is a vibrantly colourful blend of traditional chivalry, outrageous humour, and exciting escapades: a gorgeous display of the poet's astonishing imagination.

The poem opens with a description of the idyllic kingdom of Tsarist Russia, where Princess Ludmila lives in a beautiful palace with her father, the Tsar. One day, while out hunting, the Tsar is attacked by Chernomor, a powerful wizard who has been seeking revenge against the royal family for years. Chernomor kidnaps Ludmila and takes her to his castle in the dark mountains, where she is held captive.

Ruslan, a brave and noble knight, is determined to rescue his beloved Princess. He sets out on a perilous quest, accompanied by his loyal squire, Ivan. Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange and fascinating characters, including a hermit who lives in a cave and can see the future, a witch who can turn herself into a bird, and a pugnacious floating head who guards the entrance to Chernomor's castle.

Despite the many challenges and dangers they face, Ruslan and Ivan never give up hope. They use their bravery, intelligence, and wit to outsmart their enemies and overcome each obstacle in their path. Finally, they reach Chernomor's castle and confront the wizard.

In a climactic battle, Ruslan defeats Chernomor and rescues Ludmila. They are reunited with the Tsar and the royal family, and the kingdom is once again peaceful and prosperous.

Ruslan and Ludmila is a masterpiece of Russian literature, combining the magic of fairy tales with the realism of everyday life. Pushkin's vivid language and rich imagery bring the characters and the world of the poem to life, making it a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by readers for generations.

In conclusion, Ruslan and Ludmila is a magnificent work of literature that showcases Alexander Pushkin's incredible imagination and storytelling skills. Through its vivid portrayal of adventure, romance, and heroism, the poem captures the hearts and minds of readers and remains a beloved classic to this day.

\n Weight: 172g\n
Dimension: 179 x 117 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781471177453\n \n