The Master and Margarita in English
The Russian Network would like to welcome all members, new and old, and all friends, whether from the ITI or further afield, to an English-language meeting of its regular Book Club, to be held online on Friday 26 June.
For the first time, the RussNet Book Club is tackling a full-length novel, venturing into the Soviet period to discuss The Master and Margarita in English translation...
Since its publication in the 1960s, Bulgakov’s masterpiece has undoubtedly become one of the great cult novels of the 20th century, in any language. It has provided inspiration for many artists, in experimental theatre, novels, rock music, poetry and painting... and has been adapted for film and TV, graphic novels, ballet and opera.
But is it fantasy, satire or religious philosophy? A comedy, a tragedy or a passion play?
And who's the hero: the Master (Bulgakov himself?), Margarita (merely a muse?), Yeshua (someone more ordinary than Jesus Christ?) — or Moscow itself, characterised in all its chaotic, historic, terrible beauty?
And what makes a cult novel anyway…?
Although those who can do so could, of course, choose to read in both languages, this strand of the Book Club is not just for Russianists: the discussion will be entirely in English.
There are a number of translations available, and there’s no obligation to select a particular one… However, the two earliest translations (Ginsburg; Glenny – both 1967) were not able to draw on the most complete Russian text. From that point of view, it’s best to obtain Burgin & O’Connor (1993), Pevear & Volokhonsky (1997) or Aplin (2008).
Note: When it comes to ebooks, it can be tricky to know which translation you are downloading: Amazon especially is sometimes guilty of substituting a different version as a Kindle purchase on the same page!
The session will be hosted by RussNet’s Coordinator, Karen George, who will be delighted to welcome anyone who is interested.
Please email her to receive the Zoom link nearer the date – and if you’d like help in trying to choose a translation or in working out which version you’ve already got, don’t hesitate to ask.
ITI Network member fee: Free
ITI member fee: Free
Non-member fee: Free
Location: Zoom - link to be shared on registration
Contact name: Karen George
Contact email: [email protected]
Closing date for bookings: 24 June 2026
Network website address: https://www.iti.org.uk/discover/networking/language-networks/iti-russian.html