Alfred Hayes

"Boris Godunov" is a play that follows the rule of Tsar Boris Godunov, comprising 25 short scenes. It is an action-packed play, with political intrigues, mysterious deaths, romance, treachery, and murder cover every step. In a way, Pushkin modelled "Boris Godunov" on Shakespeare's "Henry IV", portraying in great and realistic detail the Russian aristocracy and tsardom at the time. A vengeful play, well-written, and historically accurate, it is recommended reading for all fans of Pushkin and Russian literature.
The play was made into an opera by Modest Mussorgsky. Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin's short life (1799-1837) did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin's oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.