"Well-researched, informative, and useful.... Breaks new ground by placing Saltykov'shumor in a broader theoretical context... Draitser provides a useful conspectus of humorous devices, is judicious in his comments on them, and illustrates them well by numerous examples. The chapter on language is the most interesting and enlightening. "

--Slavonic and East European Review

"A highly original and insightful reading of Saltykov-Shchedrin. Himself a satirical writer, Draitser offers a useful vocabulary for describing the satiric and the comic. His study will appeal not only to students of Saltykov-Shchedrin, but to anyone who takes laughing matters seriously."

--The Russian Review