The experience made him wonder whether others might also be interested in owning a Russian classic.

The long list for 2009 includes a record 57 translations of Russian classics.

And this version of the modern Russian ballet classic is as much fun as ever.

He remembers waiting in lines all night to get editions of Russian classics.

Around this time he began his acquaintance with Russian and other foreign classics of literature.

He himself had several Russian classics in his laboratory for an occasional brushup of the language.

The show often falls back on Russian classics to make a contemporary point.

"I think a huge number of Russian classics can be turned into musicals," he added.

His vast collection of Russian classics line the living room shelf.

Happy people, as we know, are few and far between in the Russian classics.