The works of Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov-Shchedrin occupy a special place in Russian literature ('Provincial Essays,' 'The History of a Town,' 'Pompadours and Pompadouresses,' 'The Golovlev Family,' 'Poshekhonskaya Antiquity,' etc.). His satire responded to all significant events in public life, mercilessly castigating vices, exposing the lies and moral decline in Russia during the era of the 'great reforms.' His fairy tales enjoyed constant success with readers. This genre allowed the writer to speak about serious matters in a witty and laconic manner. This edition includes Saltykov-Shchedrin's most famous fairy tales ('Conscience Has Lost,' 'The Wild Landowner,' 'The Wise Minnow,' 'The Bear in the Voivodeship,' 'The Idealist Crucian Carp,' etc.), which are true masterpieces of Russian prose.