Alexander Pushkin, Colm Toibin This new verse translation of Pushkins first major work is a fantastic narrative poem based on Russian folklore that later inspired Glinkas famous opera. Spirited away by the evil sorcerer Chernomer, Lyudmila awaits rescue by her beloved Ruslan. Before he can secure her release, however, the gallant Ruslan must first endure all the trials and tribulations that a malevolent world can throw at him. Full of daring adventure, and peopled with an extraordinary collection of magical—and monstrous—characters, the resulting epic is a brilliantly ironic retelling of the medieval fairytale world of evil sorcerers, chivalrous knights, and damsels in distress. Alexander Pushkin, author of the epic verse novel, Eugene Onegin, is considered to be Russia’s greatest poet.