With an Introduction and Notes by Joe Andrew, Professor of Russian Literature, Keele University.

Anton Chekhov is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of short stories. He constructs stories where action and drama are implied rather than described openly, and which leave much to the reader’s imagination. This collection contains some of the most important of his earliest and shortest comic sketches, as well as examples of his great, mature works. Throughout, the doctor-turned-writer displays compassion for human suffering and misfortune, but is always able to see the comical, even farcical aspects of the human condition. Chekhov sees and depicts life with unwavering honesty and truthfulness, although a clear moral sense can be detected beneath his apparent objectivity.

Stories include:

Overseasoned
The Night before Easter
At Home
Champagne
The Malefactor
Murder Will Out
The Trousseau
The Decoration
The Man in a Case
Little Jack
Dreams
The Death of an Official
Agatha
The Beggar
Children
The Troublesome Guest
Not Wanted
The Robbers
Lean and Fat
On the Way
The Head Gardener’s Tale
Hush!
Without a Title
In the Ravine