Chekhov [Hardcover]

Rosamund Bartlett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2004

Rosamund Bartlett is steeped in Chekhov's writings, having worked as a translator, and in the culture and history of 19th-century Russia. She has written not simply another biography of Chekhov but brought new understanding to the writings and character of Chekhov set amidst the landscape of Russia. This is a book of enormous detail about the places Chekhov visited and lived in, which is vital for a good understanding of the character of this unusual and complex man. Examining these locations also informs and widens interpretation of the short stories. The author examines with careful precision Chekhov's genius, and shows that he is not simply the gloomy writer of popular myth but one with profound humanity and humour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) is primarily known to Americans as a brilliant playwright of late 19th-century soulful Russian malaise. But he also wrote farces for the stage, as well as collections of short stories, from early comedic sketches to the more serious fare that defined his mature style. According to British scholar Bartlett (Wagner and Russia), Chekhov's range grew out of a restless spirit of adventure and love of travel. Bartlett calls her biography "deliberately impressionistic," which is an apt description, since she organizes it by place, from her subject's childhood on the steppes to Moscow, the far reaches of Siberia and beyond. This can lead to some confusion and the necessity to return to the same events repeatedly, but the book succeeds in ways that chronological biographies cannot. Using Chekhov's correspondence with relatives, editors and friends, as well as a knowledge of the geography and history of the Russian empire, Bartlett brings an era to life. Although long trapped by the official Soviet account of his life, Chekhov is here revealed as a man deeply attached to both natural settings and his relationships with the people around him. B&w photos. (Mar. 1)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

“Bartlett brings an era to life.” -- Publishers Weekly

“Highly recommended for all libraries.” -- Library Journal

An excellent new biography, in flne Chekhovian style, by a writer with a deep knowledge of Russian culture and nature. -- Evening Standard --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Free Press (July 5, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743230744
• ISBN-13: 978-0743230742
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,690,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dramatic Story of a Life, May 6, 2010

By 

Dag Stomberg (St. Andrews, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chekhov: Scenes from a Life (Paperback)

Did Chekhov use autobiographical material for his fiction? Some
perhaps, he did deny it though!

Maxim Gorky's description of Anton Chekhov, "beautifully simple
himself, he loved everything simple, real, and sincere."

Now is the time for retranslating Chekhov. There are few who have
responded: Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky (not this book).
Professor Rosamund Bartlett translations are made from texts and
notes hitherto unavailable. All of the above mentioned have seen
the changes in language over the years and have done something about rendering Chekhov into contemporary English.

This is a book about where he travelled to and scenes in which he
lived. All to the good for our better understanding and
appreciation of this extraordinary author.

Dag Stomberg
St. Andrews, Scotland