Book description
This collection of Chekhov's finest early writing reveals a young
writer mastering the art of the short story. 'The Steppe', which
established his reputation, is the unforgettable tale of a boy's journey
to a new school in Kiev, travelling through majestic landscapes towards
an unknown destiny. 'Gusev' depicts an ocean voyage, where the sea takes
on a terrifying, primeval power; 'The Kiss' portrays a shy soldier's
failed romantic encounter; and in 'The Duel' two men's enmity ends in
farce. Haunting and highly atmospheric, all the stories in this volume
show a writer emerging from the shadow of his masters - Tolstoy,
Turgenev and Gogol - and discovering his own voice. They also illustrate
Chekhov's genius for evoking the natural world and exploring inner
lives.
Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian physician and writer of short
stories and plays, including the masterpieces: 'Uncle Vanya', 'The
Seagull', and 'The Cherry Orchard'.
Ronald Wilks has translated many Russian works of literature
including, for Penguin, those of Gorky, Sologub, Tolstoy, Pushkin, and Chekhov.
Donald Rayfield is Professor of Russian at Queen Mary &
Westfield College, London and author of the acclaimed biography 'Anton
Chekhov: A Life'
