this is a nice collection of poetry (with some non-fiction autobiographical materials) from Boris Slutsky. Gs Smith (translater and editor) has done an excellent job of annnotating each of entries to explain the circumstances and history behind each peice as well as to expand upon cultural references and mini-biographies of other persons (expecially, authors) mentioned in Slutsky's works. Arranged somewhat chronologically, this also serves as a sort of biography of Slutsky. ( )