ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS OF RUSSIAN PLAYS, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Presented here in bilingual format (English and accented Russian on facing pages), Griboyedov’s masterpiece becomes newly accessible to Russophiles of all levels and abilities. “Winged phrases” are highlighted throughout; archaic words and important historical references are...