Folktales of the Amur (1980), illustrated by Gennady Pavlishin.

Folktales of the Amur: Stories from the Russian Far East is a beautifully produced English-language edition of traditional tales from the indigenous peoples of the Amur River region—Nanai, Udege, and other groups whose oral traditions reflect a deep spiritual bond with nature. This 1980 edition, published by Harry N. Abrams, presents Dmitri Nagishkin’s retellings in lyrical, accessible prose, translated by Emily Lehrman, and paired with the striking illustrations of Gennady Pavlishin.

The stories draw on a unique cultural heritage steeped in animism, ancestor reverence, and shamanic beliefs. Animals speak, spirits intervene, and hunters and tricksters navigate a world where the boundary between the natural and supernatural is fluid. Nagishkin’s adaptations are sensitive and respectful, retaining the essence of the oral tradition while presenting them to a modern audience.

What sets this edition apart is the evocative artwork of Gennady Pavlishin (b. 1937), one of Russia’s most renowned book illustrators. A graduate of the Moscow State Art Institute, Pavlishin gained fame for his ability to merge traditional motifs with bold, graphic composition. His illustrations here are deeply inspired by indigenous Amur art, featuring geometric patterns, totemic symbolism, and stylized wildlife. Each image complements the story it accompanies, creating a powerful visual atmosphere that mirrors the myths’ intensity and poeticism.

Pavlishin’s work plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating Siberian visual culture, translating it for both children and adult readers with sophistication and respect.

Recommended for collectors:

• The Firebird and Other Russian Fairy Tales (1980), illustrated by Boris Zvorykin – Elegant art nouveau-style retellings of iconic Russian tales.
• Various Russian Fairy Tales (1901-1908), illustrated by Ivan Bilibin – Proably the greatest Russian children’s book illustrator. Very rare.

Art Gallery: Gennady Pavlishin – Folktales of the Amur 1980