Korolenko (1853-1921) was a Ukrainian-born Russian writer, journalist, human rights activist and humanitarian of Ukrainian and Polish origin. This short novel first published in the original Russian in 1886 is his best known work, along with numerous short stories based upon his experience of exile in Siberia. Throughout his writing career, Korolenko was an influential social activist, speaking out against injustice and persecution and considering himself 'only a part-time writer.' His work in this sphere was of as great importance as his writing, albeit he is acknowledged as one of the major Russian writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This English translation of The Blind Musican is reprinted from the 1891 third edition published by Little, Brown in New York. It includes illustrations by Edmund H Garrett and a short introduction by the American explorer George Kennan, noted for his travels in the Russian Empire, who met with Korolenko on one of his trips.