ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

In the ocean of gratitude owed by the world of Russian scholarship to my friend the late Carl R. Proffer, my acknowledgment for his kind assistance in the compilation of this book is a small drop. My colleague Herman Ermolaev made numerous suggestions that improved my translation of Envy, for which I thank him. Robert Fagles exceeded his duties as my department chairman by his kindly criticism and encouragement. Ms. Carol Szymanski provided essential assistance. For their generous response to inquiries I am grateful also to Carol Avins, Grigory Freidin, and John Glad. Jacqueline Brown’s patience with this project has deepened my affection for her. None of the above is to blame for whatever shortcomings remain.