Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov Ordre des livres

The narrative centers on the Golovlyov family, an aristocratic clan marked by moral decay and a relentless pursuit of wealth. Porfiry Golovlyov, a tyrannical landowner, drives the family's fate, embodying the corruption and ethical bankruptcy prevalent among the nobility. Through sharp satire and irony, Saltykov critiques the oppressive Russian autocracy, the exploitation of peasants, and the moral failings of the elite. This dark portrayal highlights the consequences of unchecked privilege and serves as a powerful commentary on 19th-century Russian society.