This collection of lesser-known early short fiction - ranging from absurd humorous sketches to psychological dramas and tragic tales - demonstrates Anton Chekhov`s mastery of the genre, with stories about marital infidelity, betrayal, deception and love in its various forms.
Although varying in tone and purpose, what these tales have in common is a profound and subtle understanding of the human condition, in its farcical and melancholy aspects, couched in Chekhov`s trademark minimalist style.
This edition contains the stories `The Woman in the Case`, `A Visit to Friends`, `Appropriate Measures`, `The Boa-Constrictor and the Rabbit`, `History of a Business Enterprise`, `75,000`, `The Mask`, `An Unpleasant Incident`, `The Eve of the Trial`, `Sinister Night`, `The Lodger`, `The Dream`, `Out of Sheer Boredom`, A Disagreeable Experience`, `His First Appearance`, `Holy Simplicity`, `The Diplomat`, `Mutual Superiority`, `Taedium Vitae`, Other People`s Trouble`, `A Reporter`s Dream`, `One Man`s Meat`, `The Guest`, and `Wife for Sale`. There are also detailed notes on the text, extra material about the author`s life and works, and a carefully selected bibliography.
Although varying in tone and purpose, what these tales have in common is a profound and subtle understanding of the human condition, in its farcical and melancholy aspects, couched in Chekhov`s trademark minimalist style.
This edition contains the stories `The Woman in the Case`, `A Visit to Friends`, `Appropriate Measures`, `The Boa-Constrictor and the Rabbit`, `History of a Business Enterprise`, `75,000`, `The Mask`, `An Unpleasant Incident`, `The Eve of the Trial`, `Sinister Night`, `The Lodger`, `The Dream`, `Out of Sheer Boredom`, A Disagreeable Experience`, `His First Appearance`, `Holy Simplicity`, `The Diplomat`, `Mutual Superiority`, `Taedium Vitae`, Other People`s Trouble`, `A Reporter`s Dream`, `One Man`s Meat`, `The Guest`, and `Wife for Sale`. There are also detailed notes on the text, extra material about the author`s life and works, and a carefully selected bibliography.