Malachite Box

The collection "Malachite Box" features famous tales by the Russian writer Pavel Petrovich Bazhov (1879–1950). The thrilling stories about the Mistress of the Copper Mountain, the Azov girl, and the Great Snake will introduce readers to the legends of the Urals, tell about the life and superstitions of factory workers, and unveil the secrets hidden in the depths of the Ural land. The beauty of these tales, the vivid images of the formidable masters of underground riches and the guardians of precious minerals, were captured in the expressive illustrations by the Russian painter and graphic artist Vasily Stepanovich Bayukin (1898–1952).

The future Russian writer, editor, journalist, and public figure Pavel Petrovich Bazhov (1879–1950) was born in the village of Sysert Factory near Yekaterinburg. Pavel's father worked in a welding shop, while his mother wove lace to order. Pavel graduated as one of the best students from the local Zemstvo school and then attended a religious school in Yekaterinburg and the Perm Theological Seminary. However, he refused to take holy orders and became a Russian language teacher. Later, Pavel Petrovich got married and moved to the city of Kamyshlov. There, in 1917, he was elected to the Council of Peasant, Worker, and Soldier Deputies. During this period, Bazhov began publishing his articles in newspapers under the pseudonym Derevensky. During the Civil War, he participated in battles in the Urals, and after the establishment of Soviet power, he headed the Department of Public Education. Since 1923, Bazhov worked in the editorial office of a Yekaterinburg newspaper: he dealt with readers' letters, prepared texts for publication, and wrote his own essays. He was particularly interested in the folklore of his native land: Bazhov collaborated with the Kamyshlov Local History Museum. While collecting material for future works, he recorded songs, ditties, spells, and local legends he heard. Bazhov wrote extensively about the military history of the Urals and the everyday life of Ural factories. In 1936, his first Ural tales were published, and three years later, the collection "Malachite Box" was released. Originally, the collection consisted of only fourteen tales, but new ones were added later. These tales were independent literary works based on Ural folklore. They reflected the life and beliefs of miners and craftsmen in the Urals, featuring vivid fairy-tale images of unseen, majestic, and sometimes ominous beings. The collection was beloved by readers and brought the author wide fame. In 1943, Bazhov was awarded the Stalin Prize for "Malachite Box"; the tales have been reprinted multiple times and translated into foreign languages.

Bazhov's tales have been illustrated many times by talented artists. In this edition, the stories about underground treasures and their mysterious masters are adorned with the works of the Russian book illustrator Vasily Stepanovich Bayukin (1898–1952). Vasily was born in the village of Sinykovo in the Moscow region. He graduated from the art school at the printing house of I. D. Sytin, and later from the Higher Art and Technical Studios (Vkhutemas). Bayukin created illustrations for many publishing houses, worked on posters, and painted portraits and landscapes. The originals of his works, the reproductions of which still adorn the books of famous writers today, can be found in various museum collections.