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Informationen zum Autor Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, born on June 6, 1799, in Moscow, emerged as a seminal figure in Russian literature. His lineage was notable, with his father belonging to an established noble family and his maternal great-grandfather being Abram Petrovich Gannibal, an African nobleman who became a prominent military engineer in Russia. Pushkin's early exposure to literature and storytelling, particularly from his nurse, Arina Rodionovna, ignited his passion for writing.By the age of 15, Pushkin had published his first poem, signaling the start of a prolific literary career. His works, including the novel in verse Eugene Onegin and the drama Boris Godunov, showcased his versatility and deep understanding of Russian society. However, his writings often drew the ire of authorities due to their political overtones, leading to periods of exile.Tragically, Pushkin's life was cut short when he died from injuries sustained in a duel on February 10, 1837, in Saint Petersburg. Despite his untimely death, his influence on Russian literature is immeasurable, earning him the title of the father of modern Russian literature. His innovative use of language and exploration of universal themes have left an enduring legacy, inspiring countless writers and poets. Klappentext Famous for his enormously influential poetry and plays, Alexander Pushkin is also beloved for his short stories. This collection showcases his tremendous range, which enabled him to portray the Russian people through romance, drama, and satire. The sparkling humor of the five "Tales of Belkin" contrasts with a dark fable of gambling and obsessive greed in "The Queen of Spades" and the masterful historical novella, "The Captain's Daughter," a story of love and betrayal set during a rebellion in the time of Catherine the Great. Translated by Natalie Duddington and T. Keane i. a sergeant of the guards He would have been a Captain in the Guards tomorrow. “I do not care for that; a common soldier let him be.” A splendid thing to say! He’ll have much sorrow... ..... Who is his father, then? -- knyazhnin My father, Andrey Petrovich Grinyov, had in his youth served under Count Münnich and retired with the rank of first major in the year 17—-. From that time onward he lived on his estate in the province of Simbirsk, where he married Avdotya Vassilyevna U., daughter of a poor landowner of the district. There had been nine of us. All my brothers and sisters died in infancy. Through the kindness of Prince B., our near relative, who was a major of the Guards, I was registered as sergeant in the Semyonovsky regiment. I was supposed to be on leave until I had completed my studies. Our bringing--up in those days was very different from what it is now. At the age of five I was entrusted to the groom Savelyich, who was assigned to look after me, as a reward for the sobriety of his behavior. Under his supervision I had learned, by the age of twelve, to read and write Russian, and could judge very soundly the points of a borzoi dog. At that time my father hired for me a Frenchman, Monsieur Beaupré, who was fetched from Moscow together with a year’s supply of wine and olive oil. Savelyich very much disliked his coming. “The child, thank heaven, has his face washed and his hair combed, and his food given him,” he grumbled to himself. “Much good it is to spend money on the Frenchman, as though the master hadn’t enough servants of his own on the estate!” In his native land Beaupré had been a hairdresser; afterward he was a soldier in Prussia, and then came to Russia pour être outchitel,* without clearly understanding the meaning of that word. He was a good fellow, but extremely thoughtless and flighty. His chief weakness was his passion for the fair sex; his attentions were often rewarded by blows, which made him groan for hours. Besides, “he was not an enemy of the bottle,” as he put i...
