This book, first published in 1959, contains passages with commentary from 12 of the most important Soviet authors. They are lively and typical passages, written in varying styles, depicting historical events such as the 1917 Revolution, collectivisation and the death of Stalin, as well as the everyday side of Soviet life. They are a key introduction to the Russian language used in the Soviet period, an analysis of the language used by its leading writers, and a snapshot of life in Russia at the time.
