Description
By Arthur Ransome. Illustrated by Dmitri Mitrokhin. Step into the magical heart of old Russia, where enchanted forests, firebirds, witches, heroes, and talking animals come vividly to life in one of the great classics of twentieth-century folklore.
In Old Peter’s Russian Tales, celebrated author Arthur Ransome retells a rich collection of traditional Russian fairy tales with warmth, imagination, and narrative charm. Framed around the storytelling of “Old Peter,” a kindly village forester living beside the dark forests and snowy landscapes of old Russia, the book transports readers into a world filled with wonder, mystery, and timeless adventure.
Within these pages readers encounter legendary figures from Russian folklore, including the fearsome witch Baba Yaga, the radiant Firebird, magical princes and princesses, shape-shifters, talking wolves, and brave heroes facing impossible trials. Drawing deeply from Russian oral tradition, Ransome preserves the atmosphere and spirit of the original tales while presenting them in an engaging style that has captivated generations of readers.
Adding greatly to the enchantment are the beautiful illustrations of Dmitri Mitrokhin, whose artwork perfectly captures the mysterious and dreamlike quality of the stories. Together, text and illustration create a timeless journey into the mythic world of Russian folklore.
More than a children’s storybook, Old Peter’s Russian Tales is a literary gateway into the rich cultural imagination of old Russia, blending fantasy, folklore, and storytelling tradition into a work of enduring beauty.
This carefully restored reprint revives a beloved classic for modern audiences. Ideal for lovers of fairy tales, mythology, fantasy literature, and Slavic folklore, Old Peter’s Russian Tales continues to enchant readers of all ages with its magical storytelling and unforgettable atmosphere.
About the author: Arthur Ransome (1884–1967) was an English author and journalist best known for the classic Swallows and Amazons series and his retellings of Russian folk tales and legends. He spent considerable time in Russia during the early twentieth century, developing a deep interest in Russian culture, folklore, and storytelling traditions.
About the illustrator: Dmitri Mitrokhin (1883–1973) was a Russian artist, illustrator, and graphic designer celebrated for his distinctive book illustrations and fine graphic work.
His illustrations for Russian fairy tales and literary classics became widely admired for their elegance, atmosphere, and connection to Russian artistic traditions.
Contents
The Hut in the Forest
The Tale of the Silver Saucer and the Transparent Apple
Sadko
Frost
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship
Baba Yaga
The Cat Who became Head-Forester
Spring in the Forest
The Little Daughter of the Snow
Prince Ivan, the Witch Baby, and the Little Sister of the Sun
The Stolen Turnips
Little Master Misery
A Chapter of Fish
The Golden Fish
Who Lived in the Skull?
Alenoushka and Her Brother
The Fire-Bird
The Hunter and His Wife
The Three Men of Power
Salt
The Christening in the Village
