The Duel And Other Stories

Volume 2 of the Tales of Chekhov. Contains 8 stories: The Duel; Excellent People; Mire; Neighbours; At Home; Expensive Lessons; The Princess; and, The Chemist’s Wife.

the duel and other stories From Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

How is this book unique? Font adjustments & biography included Unabridged (100% Original content) Illustrated About The Duel and Other Stories by Anton Chekhov This captivating collection of short stories, selected from works written during Chekhov's prolific period, displays those qualities for which the Russian author and playwright is famous: a natural aptitude for detail, dialogue, humor, and compassion. The six masterfully executed tales, reprinted here in the authoritative Constance Garnett translation, include "The Darling," a poignant piece supporting the claim that life has no meaning without love; "The Kiss," a fanciful confection recounting an officer's brief encounter with an unknown woman; as well as "Anna on the Neck," "The Man in a Case," "The Malefactor," and the title story. As noted by author John Barth, "Chekhov is a superb anatomist of the human heart and an utter master of his literary means. The details of scene and behavior, the emotions registered -- seldom bravura, typically muted and complex, often as surprising to the characters themselves as to the reader but always right -- move, astonish, and delight us line after line, story after story."

Classic tales of changing lives and loves from one of Russia’s greatest playwrights, a master of the modern short story. Morality, philosophy, and science merge in “The Duel,” the classic tale of transformation in which educated Russian aristocrat Ivan Andreitch Laevsky falls in love with the married Nadya Fyodorovna and runs off to the Black Sea with her. As their passion wanes, Nadya turns to other men for comfort, while Ivan indulges in heavy drinking and gambling. When he receives word that Nadya’s husband has died, freeing them to marry, Ivan hides it. He knows he cannot marry a woman he no longer loves but struggles with the idea of leaving Nadya penniless and alone. Soon Ivan’s conundrum becomes the topic of conversation around a doctor’s dinner table. When their discussion touches on evolution, one of the doctor’s boarders—a zoologist—states that someone with Ivan’s moral failings should not be allowed to reproduce. As events unfold, setting Ivan and the zoologist on a path to confrontation, the character of each man will be revealed—for better and for worse. Other short stories collected in this volume include “Excellent People,” “Mire,” “Neighbours,” “At Home,” “Expensive Lessons,” “The Princess,” and “The Chemist’s Wife.”

The Duel, Excellent People, Mire, Neighbours, At Home, Expensive Lessons, The Princess, The Chemist's Wife.

Reproduction of the original: The Duel and Other Stories by Anton Chekhov