The immense ribbon of the mighty Dneiper set against the backdrop of the distant Carpathian Mountains laces the fabric of this, the third Tale in the Folio Society’s collection of Nikolai Gogol’s work.. The awesome beauty, yet destructive power of this major waterway is perhaps a metaphor for the Russian folk belief in the mystical nightmares of witches and wizardry responsible for this story.
The significance of Peter Sturt’s illustration in my edition depicting “A cross on one of the graves tottered and a withered corpse rose up. out of earth” becomes clear at the climax of the never-ending story, featuring the Antichrist as the enemy of the father of a beautiful woman; a duel of honour; a battle between Cossacks and Poles; capture and release of the evil devil; and a hectic chase across the skies leading to the denouement which will extend for all eternity.
A glorious graphic and a cryptic plot summary–no spoilers given.
Thanks very much, Pat
What an image!
Thanks very much, VJ
Welcome
What a relief to find the title refers to the story and not your neck!
🙂 Thank you so much, Anne
That is a horrifyingly beautiful illustration by Peter Sturt, Derrick. Human imagination can conjure up some very dark tales to accompany the trials presented by life.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
A mysterious summary and a stunning, terrifying illustration.
Thank you so much, Merril
What an image!
Thanks a lot, Dale
This illustration is really stunning!
Thank you very much, Luisa
My pleasure!
That’s a wonderful, if rather scary illustration!
Thanks very much, John
Tongue in cheek, it reminds me of that old tagline “a right rivetin’ read” that we used to hear all the time, from one of the papers I think–very evocative painting for the tale.
Thank you very much, Donnalee
This collection sounds like an engrossing read. The illustrations are superb in their details and color.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Ooh, sounds like an intriguing, action-filled, scary story!
And that illustration is vividly impressive and freaky at the same time.
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ to everyone at your house!
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
That’s a very striking image for a high-stakes story.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Wonderful art!
Thank you very much, Laurie
This is undoubtedly one of the deepest stories in this collection and the marvelous illustration delivers the punch with full impact.
Thank you so much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
It seems a terrifying cover somehow 🙂
Thank you very much, Riba
Fabuleux
Thanks very much, Sheree