Russian literature through the centuries has a vast range of individual writing styles. The writers varied from poets, playwrights, and novelists. Because of the early variations of language, during the 18th century the Russian alphabet transformed into meeting the needs of one language to coincide with the artistic purposes of the Russian authors and its people.

When we think of the greatest Russian writers today, the name that most comes to mind is Leo Tolstoy author of "War and Peace". Tolstoy took up writing around 1851 after joining the army. He was also noted for beliefs in education.

In 1862, Tolstoy married; his wife bore 13 children, of which 5 died in their early years. Tolstoy wrote other novels such as "Anna Karenina". His novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina" deemed Tolstoy's greatest work.

Along the same time as Tolstoy was another writer considered by many as one of the renowned Russian novelists, Fyodor Dostoevsky. Two of Dostoevsky writings considered to being his best work were "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov". In 1849, Dostoevsky arrested, for his beliefs and placed in prison for 4 years at hard labor. Upon his release, he continued his writing until he died in 1881. Dostoevsky wrote several novels and short stories.

Alexander Pushkin known as one of Russia's greatest poets and its said; he inspired writers in future periods. Pushkin was of African descent and known as a high-profile Afro-Russian. Pushkin and his wife awarded the honor of regulars of the court of society where he would read some of his notable works. Later, his position reduced to that of the lowest ranking. Then rumored his wife was engaging in an affair with Pushkin's brother in law in 1837. Pushkin challenged his wife's lover to a duel was severely wounded, and died a couple of days later.

The 20th century Russian author Boris Pasternak is best known in the west for his novel Dr. Zhivago. The book would not be published because it did not appear in line with current beliefs by Russian authorities. It was then smuggled out of the country in to Italy where it was eventually published in 1957. In Russia, Pasternak regarded as a Nobel Prize winner as a poet and writer. After receiving the Nobel Prize, due to pressure from soviet officials, Pasternak forced by Russian authorities into rejecting the award.

There is a large number of Russian authors deserving of commentary on their achievements, that in its, self would require a book acknowledging the authors and their accomplishments. The few mentioned here cannot begin to describe all the terrific literary work assembled by the greatest Russian writers in the world.