Nikolai Leskov

Nikolai Leskov, born in 1802 in the Russian Empire, was a masterful storyteller known for his unique blend of realism and folklore. His diverse career spanned various roles, including a government clerk and a journalist, which greatly influenced his writing style and subject matter. Leskov’s keen observations of Russian society and its intricacies shine through in his works, often illuminating the lives of ordinary people with both humor and poignancy. His deep appreciation for Russian culture and the complexities of human nature set him apart as a significant figure in 19th-century literature.

The Steel Flea

Read by Expatriate


Nikolai Leskov



An 1881 comic story by Nikolai Leskov, presented in the form of a traditional skaz or folk-tale, but entirely of Leskov's invention. It tell…

The Lady Macbeth of the Mzinsk District

Read by Phil Benson


Nikolai Leskov



In Mzinsk, a remote Russian town, adultery is Katerina's relief from boredom. Before long she has developed a passion for he lover, Sergei, …