The Steel Flea (1890)

The Steel Flea is a novel written by Nikolai Semyonovitch Lyeskoff and was first published in 1890. The story revolves around a young Russian engineer named Ivan Ivanovich and his invention of a miniature steam-powered mechanical flea. Ivanovich's invention catches the attention of the Tsar, who commissions him to build a larger version of the flea for a public exhibition. However, Ivanovich's rival, a French engineer named Henri Bergmann, steals his plans and presents his own version of the flea at the exhibition. The two engineers engage in a competition to determine whose flea is superior, leading to a series of comical and adventurous events. The novel is a satirical critique of the Russian society and its fascination with technological progress, as well as a commentary on the rivalry between Russia and France during the late 19th century. The Steel Flea is a classic work of Russian literature that combines science fiction, adventure, and social commentary, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking read.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.