Though little known outside of his native country, Aleksei Alekseevich Perovsky (Antonii Pogorel'sky) at one time played a significant role in the development of Russian prose. A brilliantly educated man, he was adept in science as well as the arts. He was also able to combine a career in service to the state with an active participation in the literary life of his times. His major contribution to Russian letters lies in the fact that his works provided models for writers who followed. Known as Russian Hoffmannist, he wrote one of the first Russian fantasy tales, which elicited delight from his peers as well as from the reading public. He also wrote one of the first novels of manners in Russia. Seen from the twentieth century, his works may seem dated; however, his imagination and humor, as well as narrative skill, save them from oblivion. In fact, his...