Mikhail Bulgakov

Mikhail Bulgakov was a Russian writer and playwright best known for his novel 'The Master and Margarita,' a masterpiece of 20th-century literature that blends fantasy, political satire, and historical fiction. Born on May 15, 1891, in Kyiv, then part of the Russian Empire, Bulgakov initially trained as a doctor before turning to a career in writing. His works often featured elements of the grotesque, the supernatural, and sharp critiques of Soviet society, which led to much of his writing being censored or unpublished during his lifetime. Bulgakov passed away on March 10, 1940, but his legacy endures through his influential and imaginative literature.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Master and Margarita

    This novel is a complex narrative that weaves together three distinct yet intertwined stories. The first story is set in 1930s Moscow and follows the devil and his entourage as they wreak havoc on the city's literary elite. The second story is a historical narrative about Pontius Pilate and his role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The third story is a love story between the titular Master, a writer who has been driven to madness by the criticism of his work, and his devoted lover, Margarita. The novel is a satirical critique of Soviet society, particularly the literary establishment, and its treatment of artists. It also explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the nature of good and evil.

  2. 2. The White Guard

    Set against the backdrop of the Ukrainian city of Kiev during the tumultuous Russian Civil War of 1918, the novel follows the Turbin family as they navigate the chaos and shifting allegiances of the time. The story focuses on the two Turbin brothers, who are officers in the White Guard, a faction fighting to preserve the Russian Empire against the encroaching Bolshevik Red Army. As the city is besieged and alliances falter, the family grapples with questions of loyalty, survival, and the meaning of home amidst the collapse of the old world and the uncertainty of the new. The narrative combines a rich portrayal of historical events with a deeply personal family saga, exploring themes of courage, brotherhood, and the tragic futility of war.