On this day in 1959, the Strugatsky brothers, Arkady and Boris, published their first sci-fi novel, “The Land of Crimson Clouds.” The tale of a dangerous trip in the 1990s to Venus, covered in crimson clouds, was the first work the brothers wrote and the only work they each wrote parts of separately. Legend has it that they wrote it on a dare from either friends or Arkady’s wife, depending on the source.
It would be the first of dozens of novels and short stories, many of which take place in the not-too-distant future where the world has settled into a rational society where the common good is the highest value and yet individuals are encouraged to develop their talents. But the action takes place in strange and often extremely dangerous places with mysterious physical laws.
Many of their works were made into films in the Soviet Union, Russia and abroad. Andrei Tarkovsky used their novel “Roadside Picnic” as the basis for “Stalker,” and more recently Konstantin Lopushansky filmed “The Ugly Swans,” Fyodor Bondarchuk produced “The Inhabited Island,” and Alexei German released “Hard to Be a God.”
Today the Google Doodle is dedicated to the novel and Strugatsky brothers.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
