The only comprehensive history of the subject in any Western language, A History of Russian Poetry covers this neglected half of Russian literature from the tenth century to the period of glasnost, revealing a poetic tradition as long and as illustrious as Russia's fictional heritage. Placing Russian literary and intellectual movements in their European context and relating them to national political and social developments, Bristol views the poets both as recipients of the tradition and as unique creative talents. Providing translations of entire poems, and a biography and interpretive essay on each poet, Bristol offers both new perspectives on well-known figures and exciting introductions to many superb writers previously unfamiliar in the West. The only complete, non-ideological treatment of Russian poetry, this unique new text will be invaluable to students and scholars of Russian literary history.