The Tales of Tsar Saltan by Alexander Pushkin, illustrated by Gennady Spirin, is a masterpiece of children’s literature that brings to life one of Russia’s most beloved fairy tales through sumptuous, Old Master-inspired artwork. Spirin’s lavish, intricately detailed illustrations—rendered in watercolor, gouache, and pencil—evoke the opulence of imperial Russia while capturing the magic, whimsy, and epic grandeur of Pushkin’s 1831 verse narrative.
The story follows the exiled Queen and her son, Prince Guidon, as they survive treachery, discover a mystical island, and encounter a talking squirrel, a fleet of enchanted knights, and the magnificent Swan Princess, whose transformations drive the tale’s wondrous climax. Spirin’s paintings, rich in Byzantine and Renaissance influences, mirror Pushkin’s lyrical cadence, with luminous colors, ornate patterns, and dramatic compositions that pull readers into a world of fantasy and royal intrigue.
This edition is a celebration of both Pushkin’s poetic genius and Spirin’s ability to weave visual splendor into storytelling—a treasure for collectors and a gateway to Russian folklore for young readers.
