Nicolai Schedrin was the nom de plume of Michail Saltickov (1826-1889), who was one of the greatest Russian storytellers who dealt with the theme of social ideals and struggles. He was a satirist of great force and remarkable invention. He uses allegories and great wit to lash out at complacency, self-indulgence and the cruelty of administrative powers.

In The Self-Sacrificing Rabbit Schedrin creates a masterful tale full of barbed sarcasm for those who are too weak to oppose evil.