Uncle Chukasha
Friday 29 April 2005 20:30-20:50 (Radio 3)
In the time of Stalin, when words could kill, Kornei Chukovsky waged a war for the minds and dreams of children using only his imagination and love of the fantastic. For millions, his tale of a tyrannical cockroach became a metaphor for Stalin's reign of terror. For others he simply brought joy at a time when none was on offer.
Today, he is still as loved as ever, but diaries published last year reveal the true nature of his struggle with the Soviet system.
Michael Rosen explores his life and legacy.
