Boris Godunov
by Alexsander Pushkin
Boris Gudunov, A Dramatic Tale is Pushkin's most famous play, an account of the Russian Tsar, Boris Godunov, who reigned from 1598 to 1605. He wrote it in free verse, poetry without patterns or rhymes. Good things take time in Russia: though Pushkin finished the work in 1825, and it was published in 1831, the play was not cleared for performance by censors until 1866. Translation by Alfred Hayes.
Portrait of Boris Gudunov, Tsar of Russia, unknown artist, 17th century
Pushkin's play is featured in our guide to Russian Writers.
Tavern on the Lithuanian Frontier
Palace of the Tsar - Tsarevich
Open Space in Front of the Cathedral in Moscow
Return to the Alexsander Pushkin library.