"Gariki of the Old Optimist" is a long—awaited new book by Igor Guberman, a master of poetic miniature painting, known throughout the Russian-speaking world. Gariki are well—aimed, witty quatrains about important and not so important subjects, about the meaning of life and the senseless joy of being. In his autobiography Igor Guberman wrote: "Everyone assumes that I'm a humorist in poetry. And I am a typical tragedian, you just need to be able to read it, but everyone prefers an established reputation..." Igor Guberman's new book once again confirms his reputation as one of the brightest poets of our time.