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Anton Chekhov (Author) Anton Chekhov (1860-1904), the grandson of a former serf and son of a grocer, was born in Taganrog, a port in Southern Russia. His childhood was overshadowed by his frightening father, but he was close to his mother. While he was at university, his father was defrauded and went bankrupt, leaving the family in dire financial straits; Chekhov supported them almost single-handedly by selling stories and sketches to magazines. Although a doctor by profession, he soon became famous for his brilliant stories and plays, and is today recognized as one of the greatest short story writers of all time.
In a pairing seemingly made in aesthetic heaven, Biblioasis has released a quaint and stunning edition that combines Seth's vividly drab illustration with the patient and diligent prose of Chekhov. This trio of linked stories, penned toward the end of Chekhov's career, has appeared elsewhere in different forms, but here translator David Helwig rejuvenates Chekhov's commitment to pacing and tone, and Seth's moody drawings and design nicely supplement the mood and timbre of Chekhov's narratives. Though it easily holds crossover appeal, the book doesn't seem overly concerned with winning new fans for either Seth or Chekhov, both firmly established as preeminent in their field. Instead, this book offers existing fans of both a new gem for their home libraries.--Rain Taxi
