Russian classical literature fascinates many foreigners. For some, it’s a window into another culture. For others, it becomes a lifelong passion.
Mary Hobson, a British woman, belonged to the second group. She dedicated nearly 40 years to studying Russian literature and translating its masterpieces into English.
She didn’t just translate Russian classics — she gave English readers versions that were as close to the original as possible.
Before her work, for example, many considered Griboyedov’s Woe from Wit "untranslatable."
Where It All Began
Mary Hobson fell in love with Russian literature later in life — at age 56. The first Russian book she read was War and Peace, which her daughter brought her during a hospital stay.
Mary devoured the epic novel in just three days. She was completely captivated by the story.
But she was bothered by one thing — she had only read a translation. She feared it didn’t reflect the author’s true voice. That’s when she made a life-changing decision: she would learn Russian.
It took her six years. For two of them, she read War and Peace in the original Russian. That book not only inspired her — it became her textbook. She also received help from her neighbor, a Russian émigré.
This journey made Mary realize she hadn’t been living the life she truly wanted. Her new passion led to a major change. She left her husband and, at age 62, enrolled in university to study Slavic and East European cultures.
As part of her studies, she spent ten months living in Moscow to practice the language.
Mary once said that if she hadn’t discovered Russian literature, she wouldn’t have lived as long as she did. She passed away at age 92, on August 25, 2020.
Her Work and Awards
Over the years, Mary Hobson translated many Russian classics into English.
She focused on some of the most beautiful and complex works, capturing the author's original meaning with precision.
Her main focus was translating the works of Pushkin. And, of course, Griboyedov.
Mary didn’t just preserve meaning — she kept the poetic rhythm and structure intact. She also wrote several novels of her own. Her efforts earned her the Pushkin Gold Medal and the “Podvizhnik” Award.
Mary Hobson truly gave English-speaking readers access to the works of Pushkin and Griboyedov. She left behind not just translations, but also lectures and academic papers on Russian literature.
Her legacy is one that only great writers leave behind. And as long as her work lives on, the love for Russian culture and literature will continue to grow.
