Published on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Shevchenko's birth. According to its editor, "the book aims to comprehensively acquaint the English-language reader with the life, works and ideas of the great Ukrainian poet. To this end, in addition to his most important poetic works, the volume includes Taras Shevchenko's autobiography, one of his novels, excerpts from his diary and specimens of his painting." A claim is made that "most of the translations have been done specially for this volume, while those that have appeared in print previously have been revised for this publication." Ievhen Kyryliuk's introductory article (pp.11-19) provides a sketch of the poet's life and some bibliographical data on Shevchenko translations into English and other foreign languages. Editorial notes (pp.457-469) decipher, explain and interpret obscure references to personal names and historical allusions. The volume is illustrated with 19 black and white reproductions of Shevchenko's paintings and drawings.