Short Stories by Anton Chekhov

About Truth, Freedom, Happiness, and Love

Anton Chekhov, Max Bollinger, Max Bollinger , Constance Garnett

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English

Sovereign
28 February 2011

Classic fiction (pre c 1945); Short stories; Fiction in translation

A timeless observation of the human condition from one of the best story writers in the history of world literature. Chekhov's characteristic mix of humour and poignancy united by the themes of truth, freedom, happiness and love in the 14 story collection presented in this book. Chekhov himself described his work as comic satire: 'All I wanted was to say honestly to people: 'Have a look at yourselves and see how bad and dreary your lives are!' The important thing is that people should realize that, for when they do, they will most certainly create another and better life for themselves. I will not live to see it, but I know that it will be quite different, quite unlike our present life.' 'Happiness does not exist and should not exist. And if there is purpose in life, this purpose should not be our personal happiness, it should be about something more intelligent, something more divine', commented Leo Tolstoy after reading Chekhov's trilogy included in this book. Where does love come from? How far questions of personal happiness are of consequence in love? Each story in this collection brings us close Chekhov's vision and understanding of complex human relationships. Chekhov's own relationship with Miss Avilova formed the basis for his story About Love. Miss Avilova compared Chekhov with 'busy bee who flies about and is happy to collect honey from just about anything on its way' upon publication of this story and Chekhov quickly responded to Miss Avilova, 'You are being unkind towards your busy bee. The bee first sees bright beautiful flowers and only then collects honey from them'.

By: Anton Chekhov
Illustrated by: Max Bollinger
Edited by: Max Bollinger
Translated by: Constance Garnett
Imprint: Sovereign
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 203mm, Width: 133mm, Spine: 7mm
Weight: 180g
ISBN: 9781907832031
ISBN 10: 1907832033
Pages: 130
Publication Date: 28 February 2011
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860 - 1904), a Russian short story writer, playwright and physician, considered to be one of the greatest short story writers in the history of world literature. His career as a dramatist produced all-time classics The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and Cherry Orchard. His short stories are held in high esteem by writers, critics and audiences of all generations.

Reviews for Short Stories by Anton Chekhov: About Truth, Freedom, Happiness, and Love

I can't help but feel, Max Bollinger has picked these stories direct from his soul. His introduction to this book uncovers the essence of how important Chekhov has been to him since a young lad growing up in Russia. Garnett's translation, I think also, adds to the period authenticity of Chekhov's work and may be as close in meaning to stories as we will ever get to in English. Stephen Dunne, Australia The early stories of Anton Chekhov in this volume are obvious early works done by a master storyteller. They are sometimes simple sketches of characters which in a few pages illustrates their humanity, their strengths and weaknesses. All of the stories have been available in audiobook format, but for me reading them for myself is very gratifying. Chekhov has a grasp on the human condition and in the last three stories of the book he shows the promise that would be fulfilled with his famous stories, plays and novels. Joseph Belliveau, Canada Short Stories by Anton Chekhov as translated by Constance Garnett and edited by Max Bollinger provides the text to the fourteen stories on the Audio CD's 1 to 3 of Chekhov's Short Stories as very ably narrated by Max Bollinger. My favourite stories in this collection are The Helpmate and About Truth both of which are very witty. Alan Moreton, UK