Books by Maxim Gorky

Perhaps Gorky’s only openly revolutionary novel, ‘Mother’ follows the toils of Pelageya as she struggles amidst hunger, squalor, and sorrow. This all changes when her sun begins to bring books home, and the true adventure starts. A captivating story of a mother’s love during this tempestuous period of social change, this novel is ideal for fans of classic Russian authors and their realism, such as Leo Tolstoy.As a five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) rightfully holds a spot at the table of the most talented Russian writers. He led a turbulent life as an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate. His most notable works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun" all of which are characterized by his realism.

Published in 1916, ‘In the World’ is the second volume in Maxim Gorky’s autobiography. Gorky demonstrates how his views and opinions were shaped by his life and what he saw around him. After a tricky childhood, life did not get much easier for Gorky, and alcoholism, gambling, and his shattered dreams all feature, as well as shocking descriptions of the terrible working conditions he noted all around him. Full of agony and tragedy, ‘In the World’ provides valuable insight into the mind and workings of Gorky – a key figure in Russian literary history. Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

Originally published in 1913, ‘My Childhood’ is the first volume of Maxim Gorky’s autobiography. Orphaned at an early age, Gorky was brought up in his grandparents’ strict household and he ran away at the age of just twelve. His life on the road, undertaking menial jobs in order to survive would have a huge influence on his literary career and worldview. His impoverished and bleak beginnings helped him to better understand and sympathise with the plight of those on the outskirts of society. A powerful novel, with beautiful descriptions of the Russian landscape, and lots of touching moments - this is a fascinating insight into the Russian author. Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

First published in 1923 ‘Through Russia’ is a collection of short stories by the well-known Russian author, Maxim Gorky. The collection includes ‘The Birth of a Man’, ‘Nilushka’, and ‘The Dead Man’. With some of the stories written during the turbulent period of the Russian Revolution, the tales in this collection frequently deal with the social issues of the time. The focus is on the struggles of everyday, ordinary people, portraying them in a sympathetic and compassionate way. A great introduction to the work of Maxim Gorky, and a fascinating snapshot of a changing early twentieth century Russia.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

Pessimistic young Foma Gordyeff has inherited his father’s shipping business and soon finds himself spiralling out of control – squandering his fortune and indulging his every whim. When he meets Sasha it seems as though his life is about to change for the better, but will Sasha be the salvation that Foma so desperately needs? A compelling story from famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky, ‘The Man Who Was Afraid’ is a powerful tale about social injustice. A contemporary of Tolstoy and Chekhov, this is an essential read for fans of Russian literature. Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

First published in 1900, ‘Three Men’ is a novel by famous Russian author Maxim Gorky. The story follows the fortunes of Ilya, a poor boy from the slums who finds himself catapulted into middle-class society in contrast to the friends and family he has left behind. He soon discovers, however, that wealth does not necessarily buy you security or happiness. A touching, melancholic novel which shockingly depicts the harsh reality of the working class at the time. A contemporary of Tolstoy and Chekhov, Gorky’s work is essential reading for all fans of Russian literature. Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) was a Russian author, playwright, and political activist. Orphaned at the age of eleven, Gorky ran away from home and survived by taking on a variety of menial jobs whilst travelling around Russia – experiences which would influence his writing in later life. He often worked as a journalist for local newspapers and his first short story ‘Makar Chudra’ was published in a newspaper in 1892. His first book, ‘Essays and Stories’ was published in 1898 and was an immediate success, allowing Gorky to concentrate fully on his writing. His focus was on those struggling and outcast from society and he was dedicated to portraying their worth and humanity – viewing his literary work as a moral obligation and a political act. He became associated with the Marxist movement and was critical of the Tsarist regime, resulting in his numerous arrests, imprisonments, and periods of exile. Some of his best-known works include ‘The Lower Depths’, ‘My Childhood’, ‘Mother’, and ‘Children of the Sun’. He was a five-time Nobel Prize nominee for his services to literature.

Russia was by no means paradise at the turn of the twentieth century, but it was decidedly worse for the poor and homeless community. This play centres around a motley crew of drunkards, vagabonds, and petty criminals whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of mysterious pilgrim Luka. A pillar of Maxim Gorky’s social realism, ‘The Lower Depths’ oozes pessimism, social criticism, and alcoholism. An essential read for fans of both modern and classical Russian literature, from Leo Tolstoy to Boris Akunin.As a five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) rightfully holds a spot at the table of the most talented Russian writers. He led a turbulent life as an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate. His most notable works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun" all of which are characterised by his realism.

Maxim Gorky’s exploration of his own encounter with the Orloffs, this short story follows the lives of a Russian family and delves into the monotony of everyday life. When an unexpected guest arrives in the city, the grey haze of what is ‘normal’ is broken, and accepted values begin to be scrutinized. Why can a man beat his wife? Why must his wife take the beating stoically? Why does everyone else pretend it doesn’t happen? A reminder that every voice deserves to be heard, no matter how small, this is ideal for fans of classic Russian authors and their realism, such as Leo Tolstoy.As a five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) rightfully holds a spot at the table of the most talented Russian writers. He led a turbulent life as an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate. His most notable works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun" all of which are characterised by his realism.

In a hypnotizingly crazy daily routine, twenty-six men are locked in the production of kringles (a typical Scandinavian pastry) in a basement kitchen. Their only real connection with the life outside is Tanya, a sixteen-year-old girl who visits them for baked goods. One day, one of the bun bakers, who stand higher than the kringle bakers, tells them that he seduced Tanya, shattering their vision of the girl and the world. The idolization of innocence and beauty clashes with the harsh reality of life, reflecting the stillborn hopes and desires of the twenty-six men. A painful and terribly realistic story that deserves to be read by everyone.Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) has its place among the most talented and original Russian modern writers. A five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Gorky’s position in Russian literature is indisputable. He led a turbulent life of an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate, which severely marked his literary endeavours. A strong supporter of Russia’s political, social, and cultural transformation, Gorky’s name still echoes in the annals of history. His best-known works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun".

"Creatures that Once Were Men" is a short story by Maxim Gorky about the residents of a lodging house who start a conflict with their landlord, resulting in a rather inhumane outcome. Gorky is arguably one of the most celebrated literary characters of the 20th century. Painting a vivid image of the dark, grueling and cruel peasant life of 20th century Russia, "Creatures that One Were Men" is a daunting and comical commentary on social injustice that has touched people across the world. Maxim Gorky (1868-1936) has its place among the most talented and original Russian modern writers. A five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Gorky’s position in Russian literature is undisputable. He led a turbulent life of an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate, which severely marked his literary endeavours. A strong supporter of Russia’s political, social, and cultural transformation, Gorky’s name still echoes in the annals of history. His best-known works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun".

A small provincial Russian town is suddenly aroused from its lethargy by the imminent arrival of the first railroad. Gorky is less concerned here with the Industrial Revolution than with the damaging personal effect of people who represent progress; in this case, two engineers who come to prepare for the railroad and who sweep into the lives of all and sundry with the force of a gale, upsetting stalemated romances, stale marriages, and the equilibrium of the petty bureaucracy.

The short story "Konovalov" (1897) is an example of Maxim Gorky’s autobiographical writing, depicting the suicide of a quiet prisoner, Konovalov, whom Gorky decides to immortalize on the page. The narrative follows the chronological life of the main character, constructed from the memory of the narrator himself, adding a tinge of authenticity. The story brings some existentialist philosophies to mind, coating the ordinary situations with an air of nostalgia and universality, so characteristic of Gorky’s entire oeuvre. Maxim Gorky has its place among the most talented and original Russian modern writers. A five-time Nobel Prize nominee, Gorky’s position in Russian literature is undisputable. He led a turbulent life of an exile, a dissenter, and a Bolshevik associate, which severely marked his literary endeavours. A strong supporter of Russia’s political, social, and cultural transformation, Gorky’s name still echoes in the annals of history. His best-known works include "The Lower Depths", "My Childhood,", "Mother", and "Children of the Sun".

"A book of the utmost importance", in the words of Lenin, and a landmark in Russian literature, The Mother - here presented in a brilliant new version by Hugh Aplin, the first English translation in almost a century - will enchant modern readers both for its historical significance and its intrinsic value as a work of art.

Mike Bartlett's savagely funny adaptation of Maxim Gorky's Vassa Zheleznova. It's 8 a.m. and a revolt is underway. The father is dying. The son is spying. The wife is cheating. The uncle is stealing. The mother is scheming. The dynasty is crumbling. One house. One fortune. One victor.

This antiquarian book contains Gorky Maxim's 1906 novel, "The Mother". It is a moving and thought-provoking narrative of the parallel between the evolution of one man's mother and the evolution of Mother Russia. Mother is uneducated and has been beaten in her life, and has a loving son who wants to protect her. The son is a revolutionary. As the mother starts to read and educate herself, she becomes close to the revolutionaries who frequent her house, and eventually risks it all to make Russia a better society. Alexei Maximovich Peshkov (1868 - 1936) was a Russian writer and political activist who founded the Socialist Realism literary method. This seminal book has since been translated into many languages and adapted for the screen numerous times. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern edition, complete with a new prefatory biography of the author.

Once an early supporter of the Bolsheviks, the author became disillusioned after the 1917 revolution and wrote a series of critical articles, analyses on the Russian national character, a condemnation of Bolshevik methods and a vision of the future. This is a collection of those articles.