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Cover of The Master and Margarita
Literary Fiction· Russia

The Master and Margarita

by Mikhail Bulgakov
Aggregate Editorial Score69/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 1967436 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 1967. The Devil visits Soviet Moscow with his retinue of supernatural helpers, causing chaos and exposing the hypocrisy of the Soviet system. Intercut with a parallel narrative about Pontius Pilate and Jesus, Bulgakov's satirical masterpiece was suppressed during his lifetime and only published posthumously. It is now regarded as one of the greatest Russian novels of the twentieth century. Themes of good vs. evil, Soviet satire, censorship run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1967.

Book Details

AuthorMikhail Bulgakov
Published1967
Country of Origin🇷🇺 Russia
LanguageEnglish
Pages436
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780143108276
Editorial Score69/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇷🇺 Russia

This book is part of Russia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Russia →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1967, Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with good vs. evil, Soviet satire, censorship, art gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1967. Its aggregate editorial score of 69/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of The Master and Margarita lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of good vs. evil, Soviet satire, censorship, art is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Russia's literary landscape, Mikhail Bulgakov occupies a significant position. The Master and Margarita is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
196760
✍️
About the Author
Mikhail Bulgakov
Russia
View Author →

Mikhail Bulgakov is a celebrated author from Russia known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Master and Margarita about?

The Devil visits Soviet Moscow with his retinue of supernatural helpers, causing chaos and exposing the hypocrisy of the Soviet system. Intercut with a parallel narrative about Pontius Pilate and Jesus, Bulgakov's satirical masterpiece was suppressed during his lifetime and only published posthumously. It is now regarded as one of the greatest Russian novels of the twentieth century.

Who wrote The Master and Margarita?

The Master and Margarita was written by Mikhail Bulgakov, from Russia. First published in 1967.

What awards has The Master and Margarita won?

The Master and Margarita has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1967.

Is The Master and Margarita worth reading?

The Master and Margarita is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in good vs. evil, Soviet satire, censorship.

Where can I buy The Master and Margarita?

You can buy The Master and Margarita on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Master and Margarita?

The Master and Margarita is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Master and Margarita from?

The Master and Margarita originates from Russia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Russia on our country page.

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