The Tale of Cross-eyed Lefty from Tula and the Steel Flea
Musk-Ox
The Life of a Peasant Woman
The Extinguished Flame
Answer
Leskov's most influential short story is The Tale of Cross-eyed Lefty from Tula and the Steel Flea. It is a satirical tale that tells the story of a Russian blacksmith who creates a steel flea that can dance. The story is a commentary on Russian society and the Russian people's ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Unlocking the Literary World of Nikolai Leskov: How Well Do You Know the Russian Master?