🩸 Horror Fiction

Svjatochnye Istorii. Sbornik

✍️ Various
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$14.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of Russian stories set between Christmas and Epiphany by classic authors.

This anthology collects nineteenth- and twentieth-century works centered on the Svjatki custom. It features writings by Bestuzhev-Marlinsky, Dal, Grigorovich, Chekhov, Bunin, and Nabokov. The texts mirror Leskov’s criteria for the genre: a festive setting, fantasy elements, moral instruction, and a truthful happy ending. The volume emphasizes the absence of rigid rules in this form. It demonstrates how various writers tackled the seasonal theme with distinct styles and philosophical views. The stories capture the belief that miracles are possible during this short time between years. This compilation provides insight into Russian cultural attitudes toward the supernatural during winter holidays.

Key Themes
Svjatki traditions Russian literature fantastical elements
Literary Context

The Svjatki period spans from Christmas to Epiphany in Russia. It is a time when people believe miracles are possible. The anthology draws on nineteenth- and twentieth-century Russian literary traditions. It reflects how authors like Chekhov and Bunin viewed this specific holiday window.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Nikolai Gogol · Fyodor Dostoevsky · Saki (H.H. Munro) · Russian Gothic Anthologies
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2018 🌐 non-English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781718801813

📝 Description: Svjatochnye Istorii. Sbornik

This volume compiles Russian tales and novellas linked to Svjatki, the interval between Christmas and Epiphany. It presents works by Bestuzhev-Marlinsky, Dal, Grigorovich, Chekhov, Bunin, and Nabokov. These creators examine the special mood of this season, where the shift from one year to the next appears to permit wonders. The narratives are bound by their tie to this specific time and frequently mix magical elements with ethical teachings. Nikolai Leskov described the Svjatki tale as needing events in the Christmas-to-Epiphany period, a hint of fantasy, a moral goal like correcting bias, and a joyful ending based on reality. This anthology shows that strict rules do not exist for this genre. The selected stories reveal diverse authorial methods, from plot differences to deep philosophy. Fans of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Russian writing will discover a unique view on how these authors saw supernatural chances in winter nights. The book fits those who like historical European folklore and literary mixes of reality and magic. It may not suit readers wanting modern horror or quick thrillers, as the focus stays on the cultural context of the Russian holiday season. The collection serves as a curated set of texts reflecting the various ways writers interpreted the festive spirit.

💎 Our verdict on Svjatochnye Istorii. Sbornik

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
This volume successfully captures the essence of the Svjatki tradition, presenting a diverse array of voices from prominent Russian authors. The editors have curated texts that highlight the flexibility of the genre, showing how writers balanced fantasy with ethical teachings without rigid adherence to strict rules. The collection excels in providing cultural depth, offering readers a window into historical attitudes toward the supernatural. While it lacks the pace of modern horror, it appeals strongly to those who value atmospheric storytelling and literary heritage. It is best suited for scholars and enthusiasts of Russian literature who appreciate nuanced explorations of winter folklore and moral ambiguity.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in the intersection of folklore, history, and literary horror will find this collection uniquely rewarding. It offers a curated glimpse into how classic Russian writers interpreted the supernatural during winter holidays. The book serves those who appreciate cultural context over plot-driven thrills, providing insight into beliefs about miracles and moral instruction. Fans of historical European folklore and psychological depth will enjoy the diverse philosophical views presented. It is ideal for readers seeking a slower, atmospheric experience that explores the festive spirit through a lens of magic and reality.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

This volume successfully captures the essence of the Svjatki tradition, presenting a diverse array of voices from prominent Russian authors. The editors have curated texts that highlight the flexibility of the genre, showing how writers balanced fantasy with ethical teachings without rigid adherence to strict rules. The collection excels in providing cultural depth, offering readers a window into historical attitudes toward the supernatural. While it lacks the pace of modern horror, it appeals strongly to those who value atmospheric storytelling and literary heritage. It is best suited for scholars and enthusiasts of Russian literature who appreciate nuanced explorations of winter folklore and moral ambiguity.

✍️ More books by this author Various

Weird Tales: The Unique Magazine (Cram Edition)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Various
Weird Tales: The Unique Magazine (Cram Edition)
$27.95
86
Read →
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Various
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe
$30.95
86
Read →
The Horla
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Various
The Horla
$23.95
78
Read →
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Various
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe
$41.95
86
Read →
The Horla
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Various
The Horla
$34.95
86
Read →

🏛 Books from this publisher Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Memento Mori
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Paul Holbrook
Memento Mori
$13.94
78
Read →
Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective II: The Case of The Powerless Witch
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Quinton Veal
Mona Livelong: Paranormal Detective II: The Case of The Powerless Witch
$12.00
78
Read →
The Manitou
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Jessie Cox
The Manitou
$10.50
78
Read →
The Phantom of the Opera
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Alexander Teixeira De Mattos
The Phantom of the Opera
$17.00
81
Read →
The Trial
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
David Wyllie
The Trial
$10.25
81
Read →
Prey Until Dawn
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Daryn Guarino
Prey Until Dawn
$50.00
78
Read →

You might also like

See more →
Weird Fiction: An Anthology ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Various
Weird Fiction: An Anthology
$19.99
86
Read →
Weird Tales ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Various
Weird Tales
$22.95
86
Read →
Everything Has Teeth ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Jeff Strand
Everything Has Teeth
$14.99
86
Read →
Twelve Little Animals: an illustrated horror tale ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Hannah N Richter
Twelve Little Animals: an illustrated horror tale
$14.99
86
Read →
Death Obsessed ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Robert Essig
Death Obsessed
$14.99
86
Read →
Frankenstein: Reigate School Special Edition ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Mary Shelley
Frankenstein: Reigate School Special Edition
$14.99
86
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist