midnight, reading in bed

How can I stop reading books on Russian subjects when the topic is inexhaustible? Solomon Volkov’s Magical Chorus is like taking a graduate course in that country’s incomparable culture. He makes the connections between art, literature, music, ballet, philosophy, politics and Russia’s complicated relationship to the rest of the world. The text is serious but eminently readable, studded with nuggets of gossipy anecdotes and personal recollections.

I understand Volkov has a new book, too. Add that to the nightstand…