Books by Anton Chekhov

Highly valuable both as a detailed depiction of the Tsarist system of penal servitude and as an insight into Chekhov's motivations and objectives for visiting the colony and writing the expose, Sakhalin Island is a haunting work of tremendous importance which had a huge impact both on Chekhov's subsequent work and on Russian society.

In this book fifteen Chekhov's short stories are presented in three formats: the original Russian texts with stress marks, the parallel English translations and the transliterated texts - Russian words written with Latin letters to facilitate the experience of learning to read Russian. Each text segment is accompanied by a vocabulary. See more details about this and other books on Russian Novels in Russian and English page on Facebook.

‘300 Quotes from Russian Writers’ is a carefully crafted collection of inspiration, wit, and wisdom from some of the greatest ever Russian writers, including Fyodor Dostoievsky, Léo Tolstoy and Anton Chekov.These giants of literature are considered among the greatest writers to have ever lived and are responsible for some of the world’s most influential and highly acclaimed works.A carefully crafted collection, ‘300 Quotes from Russian Writers’ is ideal for anyone with an inquiring mind about the musings of some of Russia's greatest authors.Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860 –1904) was a Russian playwright and short-story writer who is considered to be one of the greatest writers in the world. He is best known for his works ‘The Seagull’ and ‘Uncle Vanya’.Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881) was a Russian novelist and short story writer. His most celebrated novels include ‘Crime and Punishment’ (1866), ‘The Idiot’ (1869), and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ (1880).Leo Tolstoy (1828 –1910) was a Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. Best known for his great novels ‘War and Peace’ (1869) and ‘Anna Karenina’ (1878).

Peppered with pithy and wry observations, ‘100 Quotes by Anton Chekhov’ offers an insight into one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th Century. Covering a variety of topics, you may find yourself surprised as to how many of his musings have worked their way into everyday life. A superb book for those who want to get to know the man behind works such as ‘The Seagull,’ and ‘Uncle Vanya.’Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860 – 1904) was born in Taganrog, in Southern Russia. The son of a grocer, and the third of six children, he was educated at the local Greek School. After Chekhov’s father became bankrupt, the family lived in poverty, before fleeing to Moscow to avoid debtor’s prison.After writing a series of tales for various publications, Chekhov started to gain critical attention. However, it was a trip to the Ukraine that put the literary wheels in motion. After the publication of his novella, ‘The Steppe,’ he was commissioned to write a play, resulting in ‘Ivanov.’Over the course of his career, Chekhov wrote more than 200 short stories and 14 plays. Works, such as ‘The Seagull,’ ‘The Cherry Orchard,’ and ‘Uncle Vanya,’ have been performed on stages across the world. Chekhov's works have also been adapted to the screen numerous times. The 2018 adaptation of 'The Seagull' stars Annette Bening, Elisabeth Moss and Saoirse Ronan.

The Cherry Orchard (1903) is Russian playwright and short story writer Anton Chekhov¿s final play. It was first performed at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1904, directed by acclaimed actor Konstantin Stanislavski¿who also played the role of Leonid Gayev, the bizarre and uninspired brother of Madame Ranevskaya. It has since become one of twentieth century theater¿s most important¿and most frequently staged¿dramatic works.After five years of living in Paris with her lover¿where she fled following the death of her young son¿Madame Ranevskaya is brought back to her Russian estate by her daughter Anya. In her absence, Varya, Ranevskayäs adopted daughter, has cared for the estate to the best of her ability, but the family¿s debts have forced them to put the house and its renowned cherry orchard up for auction. Leonid Gayev, Madame Ranevskayäs brother, hopes to keep the estate, while Yermolai Lopakhin¿a wealthy neighbor despite being born a peasant¿encourages the family to sell. Although they initially shelter Madame Ranevskaya, she soon discovers the truth and decides¿against the family¿s wishes¿to throw a party none of them can afford. As the play reaches its tragic conclusion, the wealthy are forced to acknowledge their circumstances have changed, and the characters who depend on them for employment must do what they can to survive. The Cherry Orchard is a powerful drama that takes an unsparing appraisal of the massive shift in political and social circumstances undergone by Russians in the early twentieth century.With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Anton Chekhov¿s The Cherry Orchard is a classic of Russian literature reimagined for modern readers.

Ivanov (1889) is a drama in four acts by Russian writer Anton Chekhov. Written in ten days, the play premiered in 1887 at Moscow¿s Korsh Theatre and was initially a failure due to its rushed composition, production issues, and significant changes made to Chekhov¿s script. Disappointed but far from discouraged, Chekhov reworked the play to his satisfaction, and the edited version premiered to rave reviews in St. Petersburg in 1889.The play follows a man named Nikolai Ivanov and his wife Anna Petrovna. Deeply in debt, Ivanov is unable to pay for the recommended treatment for his wife¿s tuberculosis, which requires an extended stay in Crimea. When Ivanov leaves his estate to visit the Lebedev¿s, a wealthy socialite family to whom he is indebted, Anna and Lvov secretly follow him. There, he is seduced by the Lebedev¿s daughter Sasha, who confesses her love for him and convinces Ivanov to betray his wife. Anna witnesses their act in secret, and later confronts the man for whom she gave up her religion, family, and inheritance to marry. Incensed, Ivanov reveals to her the true nature of her illness, and the reality of his depravity is revealed. As the play concludes, Lvov decides that in order to prevent Ivanov from ruining the lives of others, he must be willing to risk his own. Ivanov is a psychologically intense drama by Anton Chekhov, a master storyteller whose characters always seem to lurk at the limit of decency, and yet remain fearfully human.With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Anton Chekhov¿s Ivanov is a classic of Russian literature reimagined for modern readers.

Uncle Vanya (1898) is a four-act play by Russian short story writer and playwright Anton Chekhov. It was first performed at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1899, directed by acclaimed actor Konstantin Stanislavski¿who also played the role of Astrov. Reviews were lukewarm at first, but as the play continued to run, Uncle Vanya gained both popularity and critical prowess, and has since become one of the most influential dramas ever produced.When retired Professor Aleksandr Serebryakov and his young second wife Yelena arrive at their country estate, they disrupt the mundanity and relative boredom of provincial life for its inhabitants. While the elderly Serebryakov enjoys life in the city, Sonya, his daughter, and Vanya, his first wife¿s brother, remain at the estate to manage its daily upkeep. Vanya, whose only companion is Mikhail Astrov, a doctor dissatisfied with his life and role in the rural community, regrets his failure to become a man of letters, and blames Serebryakov for saddling him with responsibility for the estate. He also loves the beautiful Yelena and wishes he had realized it before she married his brother-in-law. Meanwhile, Sonya secretly loves Astrov, but fears he thinks of her as only a friend. As Serebryakov¿s decision to sell the estate in order to increase his income is revealed, Vanyäincensed by years of disappointment and disrespect, as well as his by own mother¿s idolization of the Professor¿reaches his breaking point, bringing the play to its startling, powerful conclusion. Uncle Vanya is a masterful drama that illuminates the intersecting obligations of family while dissecting the bitterness and ambition which so often define the relationships of men.With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Anton Chekhov¿s Uncle Vanya is a classic of Russian literature reimagined for modern readers.

¿Chekhov, speaking simply and never otherwise than as an artist and a humane man, shows us in fullness and plenitude the mystery of our lives.¿¿Eudora Welty¿What writers influenced me as a young man? Chekhov! As a dramatist? Chekhov! As a story writer? Chekhov!¿-Tennessee WilliamsThe Seagull is Anton Chekhov¿s brilliant four-act play that is considered a monumental work of drama, and one of the most sublime literary examinations of the complexities of love and friendship. First performed over a century ago, this play remains one of the most widely staged productions throughout the world. The four protagonists in The Seagull are all artists; Trigorin is a well-established writer, Arkadina is a renowned yet aging actress, her son Treplev is a struggling writer, and Nina is a young aspiring actress who is in love with Treplev. Success in love and in their art is a shared intent, yet within the play each character experiences an existential crisis in the darkness of unrequited love. With its play-within-a-play, its nods to Shakespeare, and intimate and profound character portrayals, this is an essential read for all serious students of drama and Russian literature. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Seagull is both modern and readable.

The Lady with the Dog and Other Stories (1917) is a collection of nine stories by Russian writer Anton Chekhov. Recognized today as foundational for the development of the modern short story, Anton Chekhov has transcended Russian literature to become one of the most popular and acclaimed authors in history, in any language. This collection includes "The Lady with the Dog," a meditative tale of forbidden desire and the frailty of hope described by Vladimir Nabokov as "one of the greatest stories ever written" despite breaking "[a]ll the traditional rules" of storytelling.The title story of the collection follows Dmitri Gurov, a married middle-aged man who falls in love with a young newlywed while on vacation in Yalta. The woman he desires, Anna Sergeyevna, is also unhappy with her marriage, and soon the two spend their days together before Anna decides to go home to her husband. Back in Moscow, Gurov-a man who has had many affairs-finds himself unable to shake the memory of Anna, and longs for the chance to see her once more. In "A Doctor's Visit," a young doctor named Korlyov journeys to the home of a recently deceased industrialist, where he has been called to care for the frail heiress Liza. There, he finds himself beset with dark thoughts and even darker visions, and soon discovers that the cure for Liza's illness may be far beyond his skill.With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Anton Chekhov's The Lady with the Dog and Other Stories is a classic of Russian literature reimagined for modern readers.

What are you most afraid of? Spiders, ghosts or perhaps the Slender Man? But have you ever been afraid of life itself? 'Terror' tells the story of just that: a man who is afraid of living. His fears range from his office job in St. Petersburg to the mere act of tilling the soil. He is even scared of his lovely wife and children.But the ultimate cause of his fear of day to day life is not what it may seem at first. Chekhov's 'Terror' is a hauntingly realistic novel which leaves no two people with the same impression after reading. Suffused with unrelenting existentialism and wit, this is a must-read for fans of Woody Allen's 2015 popular romantic comedy movie 'Irrational Man' which follows a small-town philosophy professor's existential musings on the meanings of love and life. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Parker Posey and Jamie Blackley.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the world masters of the short story genre. Painstakingly true to life yet morbid with his realistic depictions of the 19th century Russian world, Chekhov’s characters effortlessly glide between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull' and 'The Cherry Orchard'. His short stories shed light on the mysterious concealed beneath the surface of the ordinary, as well as the doom and the horror lurking in the shadows.

The narrative focuses on the extraordinary predicament of the Civil Councillor Navagin. For the past thirteen years he has striven in vain to uncover the undisclosed identity of a certain Fedyukov. His signature mysteriously appears in every single document that leaves Navagin's office. Navagin is perplexed and out of his wits.Ironically enough, the time comes when the Councillor decides to follow his superstitious wife's advice to seek arcane knowledge from a spiritual medium. What follows is a hilarious lesson about the consequences of deciding one is above ordinary explanations for extraordinary events.An entertaining and memorable read, 'A Mystery' is highly recommended for fans of the much-loved 1979 satirical comedy movie 'Monty Python's Life of Brian' starring John Cleese, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Graham Chapman. It makes for an excellent addition to any Chekhov and O.Henry reader's bookshelf.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the world masters of the short story genre. Painstakingly true to life yet morbid with his realistic depictions of 19th century Russian day-to-day life, Chekhov’s characters effortlessly glide between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull' and 'The Cherry Orchard'. His short stories shed light on the mysterious concealed beneath the surface of the ordinary, as well as the doom and the horror lurking in the shadows.

In Anton Chekhov's short story "Happiness" from 1887, a horseman approaches two shepherds just before dawn on a summer's night. He tells them the story of a wicked old man without moral who had died without sharing the location of a secret, enchanted treasure with anyone. As the horseman takes his leave, the shepherds are left to reflect on the interconnected nature of greed, temptation and the pursuit of happiness: Is it possible to find happiness without wealth? Or is happiness nothing but a man-made fairy-tale character in the story that is life?A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humor, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays "Uncle Vanya", "The Seagull", and "The Cherry Orchard", where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth mystery beneath ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

'A Nightmare' is a short story by Anton Chekhov about two men, one a penniless priest and the other a wealthy aristocrat. The now desperate priest is too proud to ask for assistance, whereas the conniving aristocrat is plotting against him because of his oddball behavior. Where exactly will this dangerous game of cat-and-mouse carry the two?A masterful portrayal of human emotions and the misunderstandings that harbour the potential to wreak havoc upon our lives. Chekhov’s story criticizes man’s silent dignity and displays how even the most benevolent of desires can be utterly ruined in human folly and error.A perfect fit for fans of the 2012 film 'Anna Karenina' depicting the eponymous aristocrat's romantic tragedy set against the backdrop of Tsarist Russia. Starring Kiera Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the world masters of the short story genre. Painstakingly true to life yet morbid with his realistic depictions of 19th century Russian day-to-day life, Chekhov’s characters effortlessly glide between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull' and 'The Cherry Orchard'. His short stories shed light on the mysterious concealed beneath the surface of the ordinary, as well as the doom and the horror lurking in the shadows.

‘Gone Astray’ is one of Chekhov’s earlier comedic short stories that is a light-hearted romp about two drunken lawyers trying to find their way home at night. Chekhov’s masterful use of irony is present here as one of the lawyers, Kozyavkin, accidentally violates the law by breaking into a house he believes to be his own. The short features some of Chekhov’s most farcical images, such as the overly confident Kozyavkin blindly stumbling through a chicken coop to find his misplaced belongings. ‘Gone Astray’ is a hilarious short story that is an interesting bridge between Chekhov’s earlier comedic work and later melancholy stories as his satirical view of the upper classes is a constant theme throughout. Featuring terrific characters and slapstick comedy, ‘Gone Astray’ should be read by fans of Chekhov or the television series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘Neighbours’ is a short drama by Chekhov about Zina, a young woman who leaves her home for a married man. This scandalous behaviour plagues the mind of Zina’s brother, Pyotr, who believes that she has been abducted and deceived but is too fearful to help her. As Zina’s family is ashamed of her behaviour, Pyotr sets out to bring her home before news of her affair is widely known. Pyotr confronts his sister and her lover but to achieve his goal he must overcome his cowardice. A story that explores the eternal clash between conservative and liberal values, ‘Neighbours’ is a social critique that contrasts Zina’s freedom and joy with the timid Pyotr’s fear of breaking social conventions. ‘Neighbours’ portrays Chekhov’s lyrical prose at its finest and features some of his most memorable characters. This dramatic and poignant short should be read by fans of Raymond Carver and John Cheever.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

Follows Maria’s tumultuous journey home after receiving her salary from the school board. 'The Schoolmistress' features Chekhov’s much-celebrated realist prose as he illustrates the misery of the poor schoolmistress and her surroundings.While Maria must fight for respect from her superiors and the townsfolk, she dreams of a better life with the wealthy and handsome Hanov. Chekhov’s social commentary is timeless as Maria longs to have a higher social standing, whereas the wealthy Hanov does not appreciate his fortune. This character-driven drama tells an engaging tale of the struggle between accepting your situation and yearning for more. Fans of Jane Austen should read this short story for its poignant portrayal of a woman’s desires in an unequal society.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard;, where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘At Christmas Time’ is a masterful short story written late in Chekhov’s career that is divided into two parts. The first half follows an illiterate peasant family hiring an ex-soldier to write a letter to their estranged daughter as they ponder the mystery of her life. Chekhov’s wit is on full display here as the former soldier writes about the army instead of informing the daughter about her parents and hometown. The second part is more sombre as the letter is delivered to the daughter by her abusive husband and we learn what has transpired in her life. Chekhov’s fiery social critique is present in this short as he contrasts the warmth and love of hard village life with the coldness of upper-class luxury. ‘At Christmas Time’ displays Chekhov’s ability to combine irony and melancholy into an incredible work of art that distils a family saga across time and place into a few pages. This short story is Chekhov at his best and should be read by fans of Russian literature and beyond.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘Beauties’ is a short story by Chekhov that tells the tale of a young schoolboy travelling through the countryside with his grandfather on a sweltering summer day. The boy is uninterested in his dreary dustbowl surroundings until they arrive at the house of an old friend and the boy becomes transfixed by an astonishingly beautiful young woman. ‘Beauties’ is a perfect encapsulation of Chekhov’s critically acclaimed writing style as the plot is minimal but his lyrical prose evokes a sense of enchantment and awe. Vivid imagery portrays the stunning beauty of both the young woman and the setting that will stay with the reader for as long as it stays with the mesmerised schoolboy. This short story’s meditation on the lasting impression of beauty makes it a perfect read for fans of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and Samuel Beckett, whose readers will also enjoy Chekhov’s realist writing style.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘Anyuta’ is a short story that portrays the key aspects of Chekhov’s writings: dry humour, disillusionment, and a realistic depiction of social issues. The story revolves around Anyuta, a poor woman living with a medical student, Stepan, who has little time for her. Stepan dreams of a better life and is torn between following his aspirations alone or resigning himself to destitution with Anyuta. Chekhov criticises the social standing of men and women as many male students have gone on to achieve greatness, while Anyuta’s life remains static. These feminist messages made the story controversial at the time and they are still significant today. ‘Anyuta’ is a poignant and compassionate tale about the difference between dreams and reality that depicts Chekov’s ability to find small moments of humour in melancholy moments and features striking portrayals of poverty. This short is recommended for avid Russian literature readers and its feminist aspects make it suitable for fans of novels such as ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘In the Graveyard’ is a tale that is at once both hopeful and hopeless in which Anton Chekhov explores the tragedies of life with a comic touch. The short story opens with friends wandering a graveyard discussing a man they once knew whose ‘digestion was fine’ but still died due to his nosiness. This mixture of the mundane and the mystical which is fundamental to much of Chekhov’s celebrated writing is on display in this black comedy.As the protagonists journey deeper into the graveyard the atmosphere grows more melancholic as they meet characters resigned to tragedy. But morbidity and mockery co-exist in equal measure in the graveyard as Chekhov’s signature satirical dialogue celebrates life while exploring death. Chekhov’s modernist style describes a familiar event with lyrical prose that creates a sense of wonderment in the ordinary. This short story displays Chekhov’s dark wit and is suitable for fans of writers such as Franz Kafka or Martin McDonagh.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘In the Dark’ is a darkly humorous short story by Anton Chekhov about a couple awoken during the night by a sneezing fit. This absurdist scene quickly becomes terrifying as the wife attempts to convince her husband that a haunting figure has entered the house. Chekhov uses humour to cut the tension that rises both between the couple and for the reader.This dialogue-driven character study displays the blend of wit and morbidity that the author and playwright would later become celebrated for. The diverging thoughts of the couple are used to examine themes of marriage and feminism as the glib husband continually dismisses his wife’s fears as her overstimulated imagination. Subtle class commentary is also present as the wealthy couple and their valuable possessions are vulnerable to the possible terrors of the night. This unnerving and thrilling story by the master of short fiction is perfect to read in the dark.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘An Anonymous Story’ follows an anonymous assassin, sent to infiltrate the home of Orlov, the wealthy son of a judge. Disguised as a servant, the revolutionary perfectly blends into the household and observes them from within. However, his soul is soon disturbed by the womanising Orlov’s attitude towards his wife, and the assassin’s mission takes a dramatic turn. ‘An Anonymous Story’ is a fast-paced novella that starts as a political thriller, before becoming a household drama teeming with intrigue and infatuation. Chekhov’s comic social commentary is present as he criticizes the deceptive façade of the upper classes and the divergence between men and women’s ability to express their true emotions. It is also a story of internal struggle as the anonymous assassin is torn between revolution and romance which displays Chekhov’s command of irony and tragedy at its finest. This tale of romance and deception is recommended for fans of Dostoevsky or ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

‘Typhus’ is a deeply personal short story by Chekhov, about a young man, Klimov, returning home on a train while suffering from a terrible illness. The tale begins with Chekhov’s classic dark humour as the protagonist is disgusted with the characters that surround him. The story changes as Chekhov illustrates a slowly creeping illness that engulfs the main character and terrifyingly distorts the world around him. As the nightmarish train moves rapidly along, vivid imagery portrays the horrors of his illness. As Klimov’s body and mind become consumed by the infection, he longs to find sanctuary and safety in his own home. However, what awaits him there is far worse. This short story portrays Chekhov’s incredible ability to depict ghastly images of everyday life and the tragedy of illness. ‘Typhus’ is a poignant tale that is just as relevant in our pandemic age as when it was written, and should be read by all.A prolific writer of seven plays, a novel and hundreds of short stories, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered one of the best practitioners of the short story genre in literature. True to life and painfully morbid with his miserable and realistic depictions of Russian everyday life, Chekhov’s characters drift between humour, melancholy, artistic ambition, and death. Some of his best-known works include the plays 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard', where Chekhov dramatizes and portrays social and existential problems. His short stories unearth the mysterious beneath the ordinary situations, the failure and horror present in everyday life.

This volume - here presented in Stephen Pimenoff's lively new translation - bristles with wit and humour, and is tinged by that understated note of melancholy and lyricism that is a trademark of Chekhov's writing.

A haunting tale, Russian author Anton Chekhov’s ‘Ward No.6’ tells the story of Ragin, the head doctor in a provincial town’s mental institution. Frustrated by his banal surroundings and what he perceives as a lack of intelligent company, he turns to one of his patients, Gromov, with whom he can express his distaste for what his life has become. The townspeople grow suspicious of the time the doctor is spending with his patient, and so concoct a devious plan to get rid of him. A tale of existential crisis, neglect, and suffering, this is a poignant tale for readers contemplating life's big questions.Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian playwright and novelist, best known for his short stories. His literary career began with short, humorous sketches, written to help support his poverty-stricken family. His work soon caught the eye of distinguished Russian writer Dmitry Grigorovich, and in 1888 Chekhov was awarded the Pushkin Prize for his short story collection ‘At Dusk’. Chekhov became a playwright too and authored the famous and much-adapted plays ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard’ around the turn of the century. Leo Tolstoy was one of many admirers of his work. Chekhov remained a practicing medical doctor throughout his literary career and died from tuberculosis in 1904.

First published in 1887, ‘A Bad Business’ is a supernatural ghost story from famous Russian author Anton Chekhov. An encounter between a graveyard’s night-watchman and a mysterious visitor isn’t all that it seems. Who really is this visitor, and what does he hope to find in the graveyard? A chilling and haunting supernatural horror story from the acclaimed author.Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian playwright and novelist, best known for his short stories. His literary career began with short, humorous sketches, written to help support his poverty-stricken family. His work soon caught the eye of distinguished Russian writer Dmitry Grigorovich, and in 1888 Chekhov was awarded the Pushkin Prize for his short story collection ‘At Dusk’. Chekhov became a playwright too and authored the famous and much-adapted plays ‘Uncle Vanya’, ‘The Seagull’ and ‘The Cherry Orchard’ around the turn of the century. Leo Tolstoy was one of many admirers of his work. Chekhov remained a practicing medical doctor throughout his literary career and died from tuberculosis in 1904.