Russian Proverbs and Sayings

This book presents Russian folk proverbs and sayings, lovingly collected by the outstanding Russian writer Vladimir Ivanovich Dahl (1801–1872). Dahl's work has inspired many generations of poets, writers, and folklorists; it is in his “Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language” that unique examples of phraseology, terminology, and oral vocabulary from the last century can be found, as well as a vast collection of proverbs and sayings of the Russian people. The illustrations included in this edition were created by the wonderful contemporary artist Marina Rusanova.

Vladimir Ivanovich Dahl (1801–1872) — Russian writer and folklore collector. Vladimir was born in a settlement in the territory of modern Lugansk. His father was a doctor of Danish descent, and his mother had German roots. Both parents of the future writer spoke several languages fluently; they instilled a love for language and literature in their children. Vladimir received a good home education and in 1814 was admitted to the Naval Cadet Corps. After completing his studies, he began his service in the navy. Even at that time, midshipman Dahl began to record unusual Russian words and provide examples of their usage in different provinces. This passion became the beginning of his most ambitious work — the “Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language.” In 1826, Dahl enrolled in the medical faculty of Dorpat University. Alongside his studies, Vladimir Ivanovich composed poems and short comedies. In 1829, he had to interrupt his studies: as a military doctor, Dahl participated in the Russo-Turkish War and then in the Polish campaign. The young man distinguished himself brilliantly, was awarded orders, and gained fame as an outstanding surgeon. His notebooks of the “living language” continued to grow in the army. Following the publication of Dahl's first poems, his novellas, stories, fairy tales, and essays appeared. He became an official and continued to collect oral material during his official trips. In 1845, Dahl became one of the founders of the Russian Geographical Society. His articles on folk beliefs and the Russian language began to be published. Retiring in 1859, the writer settled in Moscow and dedicated himself to compiling the dictionary — the work of his life. For this invaluable work, Dahl was awarded the Lomonosov Prize and the title of honorary member of the Academy of Sciences.

Vladimir Dahl's collection “Proverbs and Sayings of the Russian People” was first published in 1862. It contains over 30,000 proverbs. Today, this collection remains one of the largest sources of Russian folk proverbs and sayings. This edition will familiarize the reader with the fruits of Dahl's many years of meticulous work, a devoted lover of the Russian language and Russian folk culture.

The wonderful colored illustrations featured in this book were created by the Moscow artist Marina Rusanova. She is known as a graphic artist and author of handmade tapestries. Rusanova is a participant in decorative and applied arts exhibitions and a member of the Association of Artists. Marina has created hundreds of thematic illustrations based on Russian proverbs; her illustrations have been awarded a diploma from the Foundation for Slavic Writing and Culture. Rusanova's works can be found in the collections of museums and private collections in various countries around the world.