This captivating novel is the summation of Odoevsky's views and interests in many fields: Gothic literature, romanticism, mysticism, the occult, social responsibility, Westernization, utopia and anti-utopia. Compared to "The Decameron, " to Hoffman's "Serapion Brethren, "and to the Platonic dialogues, "Russian Nights" is a unique mixture of romantic and society tales framed by Odoevsky's musings on strands of Russian thought and his own obsessions.

Reflecting the author's deep interest in the mystical and the occult, this tale tells of a small boy's involvement with a seemingly harmless toy which has fateful consequences for him and for those he encounters. The text raises questions of a philosophical, moral and social nature.