From one of Russia’s greatest writers, Anton Chekhov, an indispensable collection of stories, full of humor, truth, and vast insight. These stories, ordered chronologically from 1886 to 1899, are drawn from Chekhov’s most fruitful years as a short story writer.

Introduction: Why we like Chekhov / Richard Ford -- A blunder -- A misfortune -- A trifle from life -- Difficult people -- Hush! -- Champagne -- Enemies -- The kiss -- Kashtanka -- The grasshopper -- Neighbours -- Ward No. 6 -- An anonymous story -- Peasants -- Gooseberries -- About love -- The darling -- The new villa -- On official duty -- The lady with the dog.