Anton Chekhov

by Rose Whyman

Anton Chekhov offers a critical introduction to the plays and productions of this canonical playwright, examining the genius of Chekhov's writing, theatrical representation and dramatic philosophy. Emphasising Chekhov’s continued relevance and his mastery of the tragicomic, Rose Whyman provides an insightful assessment of his life and work. All of Chekhov’s major dramas are analysed, in addition to his vaudevilles, one-act plays and stories. The works are studied in relation to traditional criticism and more recent theoretical and cultural standpoints, including cultural materialism, philosophy and gender studies. Analysis of key historical and recent productions, display the development of the drama, as well as the playwright’s continued appeal. Anton Chekhov provides readers with an accessible comparative study of the relationship between Chekhov's life, work and ideological thought.

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being one of the most recent (to date of this review) overview's of Chekhov and his works, Whyman's introduction has the benefit of nearly a century of scholarship on Chekhov, and the author interacts well with previous studies. Definitely a good source for an "introduction" to Chekhov, perhaps to be read with the 1985 book by Laurence SenelickAnton Chekhov, although there are many other good sources as well.