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Greatest Russian Short Stories
SHOWCASING BELOVED TALES FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE
Discover the highs and lows of human experience through masterpieces such as
• Alexander Pushkin’s The Queen of Spades, which explores avarice with superhuman elements
• Ignatiy Potapenko’s The Curse of Fame, rife with the pathos that forms an integral part of our lives
• Anton Chekov’s The Slanderer, depicting how people can fall victim to their own minds
• Nikolai Gogol’s The Cloak, an evocative work on the isolation and dissatisfaction that runs rampant in society
and many more...
Featuring masters of the genre, such as Dostoyevsky, Chekov, Tolstoy and Gorky, Greatest Russian Short Stories is a vividly engaging collection to be treasured for a lifetime
Discover the highs and lows of human experience through masterpieces such as
• Alexander Pushkin’s The Queen of Spades, which explores avarice with superhuman elements
• Ignatiy Potapenko’s The Curse of Fame, rife with the pathos that forms an integral part of our lives
• Anton Chekov’s The Slanderer, depicting how people can fall victim to their own minds
• Nikolai Gogol’s The Cloak, an evocative work on the isolation and dissatisfaction that runs rampant in society
and many more...
Featuring masters of the genre, such as Dostoyevsky, Chekov, Tolstoy and Gorky, Greatest Russian Short Stories is a vividly engaging collection to be treasured for a lifetime
316 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2016
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24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 21, 2020
"… and it seemed to him that he had destroyed forever the former charm of the woman, that she, whom he had loved, had never been beautiful; and it seemed to him, that now only he saw her in her real light, and that she only became divinely beautiful, when lighted by the bright rays of his love. "
— Stephan Skitalitz (1869 - 1941), closing lines of “The Love of a Scene-Painter“
"What kind of a husband is he ! All you see of him is his dressing-gown on the peg"
— Evgeny Chirikov (1864 - 1922), from “Faust”
— Stephan Skitalitz (1869 - 1941), closing lines of “The Love of a Scene-Painter“
"What kind of a husband is he ! All you see of him is his dressing-gown on the peg"
— Evgeny Chirikov (1864 - 1922), from “Faust”
January 9, 2025
To begin with, one must confess that Russian literature has long been esteemed for its profundity, logical insight, and emotional strength. This book is a first-rate testimony to this bequest. Published by Jaico Publishing House, this compilation gathers an assemblage of eternal chefs-d'oeuvre from some of Russia's most iconic literary figures, alongside contributions from lesser-known authors, offering readers a variegated assessment of Russian culture, history, and humanity. This compilation shines in its ability to summarize the wide-ranging voices and themes of Russian literature.
From the freezing sarcasm of Nikolai Gogol to the reflective existential cogitations of Fyodor Dostoevsky, the stories transport readers into domains that are at once detached and acquainted. Together with these titans, contributions from writers like Anton Chekhov, Leo Tolstoy, and Ivan Turgenev supplement the collection with their nuanced explorations of human nature. Jaico Publishing House has done a commendable work in making these classics accessible to a bigger audience.
The translations, though not quantified as to their original translators, are runny and reminiscent, capturing the essence of the originals while being reachable to modern readers. The book’s layout is upfront, making it an easy and enjoyable read for literary aficionados and casual readers alike.
Jaico’s selection highlights the extensiveness of Russian storytelling. It captures the stark dichotomies of rural and urban life, the skirmishes of the common man, and the ceaseless philosophical quandaries of morality, justice, and faith. Each tale is imbued with the quintessential Russian spirit—melancholic yet hopeful, introspective yet universal. As far as the highlights from this collection is concerned, one must mention "The Overcoat" by Nikolai Gogol. Often hailed as the genesis of modern Russian literature, this story masterfully combines humor and tragedy to critique bureaucracy and social inequality. "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy is another gem. A profound meditation on mortality, this story delves into the life of a man confronting the void of existence. "The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov is a poignant exploration of love, infidelity, and human connection, rendered with Chekhov’s signature subtlety.
As far as the rebuffs are concerned, we perceive that while the selection and translation are praiseworthy, the lack of contextual notes on the stories or authors might leave some readers craving profounder understanding. However, the richness of the tales themselves more than reimburses for this negligible deficit.
To end with, two points need mention. Firstly, the anthology not only serves as a primer to Russian literature but also provides an understanding of the historical and cultural nuances that shaped these works. Themes of class struggle, moral conflict, and existential questioning—omnipresent in Russian literature—find lively expression here. Finally, this tome is an essential read for anyone seeking to explore the depths of Russian literature or appreciate the enduring power of the short story as a literary form. Its blend of celebrated and lesser-known works ensures a satisfying experience, whether you’re reentering familiar tales or encountering these classics for the first time.
From the freezing sarcasm of Nikolai Gogol to the reflective existential cogitations of Fyodor Dostoevsky, the stories transport readers into domains that are at once detached and acquainted. Together with these titans, contributions from writers like Anton Chekhov, Leo Tolstoy, and Ivan Turgenev supplement the collection with their nuanced explorations of human nature. Jaico Publishing House has done a commendable work in making these classics accessible to a bigger audience.
The translations, though not quantified as to their original translators, are runny and reminiscent, capturing the essence of the originals while being reachable to modern readers. The book’s layout is upfront, making it an easy and enjoyable read for literary aficionados and casual readers alike.
Jaico’s selection highlights the extensiveness of Russian storytelling. It captures the stark dichotomies of rural and urban life, the skirmishes of the common man, and the ceaseless philosophical quandaries of morality, justice, and faith. Each tale is imbued with the quintessential Russian spirit—melancholic yet hopeful, introspective yet universal. As far as the highlights from this collection is concerned, one must mention "The Overcoat" by Nikolai Gogol. Often hailed as the genesis of modern Russian literature, this story masterfully combines humor and tragedy to critique bureaucracy and social inequality. "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy is another gem. A profound meditation on mortality, this story delves into the life of a man confronting the void of existence. "The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov is a poignant exploration of love, infidelity, and human connection, rendered with Chekhov’s signature subtlety.
As far as the rebuffs are concerned, we perceive that while the selection and translation are praiseworthy, the lack of contextual notes on the stories or authors might leave some readers craving profounder understanding. However, the richness of the tales themselves more than reimburses for this negligible deficit.
To end with, two points need mention. Firstly, the anthology not only serves as a primer to Russian literature but also provides an understanding of the historical and cultural nuances that shaped these works. Themes of class struggle, moral conflict, and existential questioning—omnipresent in Russian literature—find lively expression here. Finally, this tome is an essential read for anyone seeking to explore the depths of Russian literature or appreciate the enduring power of the short story as a literary form. Its blend of celebrated and lesser-known works ensures a satisfying experience, whether you’re reentering familiar tales or encountering these classics for the first time.
March 13, 2020
Interesting read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews