Through careful textual readings of Gogol's most famous works, Karlinsky argues that Gogol's homosexual orientation which Gogol himself could not accept or forgive in himself may provide the missing key to the riddle of Gogol's personality.
"A brilliant new biography that will long be prized for its illuminating psychological insights into Gogol's actions, its informative readings of his fiction and drama, and its own stylistic grace and vivacity." Edmund White, Washington Post Book World
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praise for the first edition:

"When two such brilliantly ebullient intellectuals get together by mail, they charge the air with all sorts of pyrotechnics."--Carlos Baker, author of "Hemingway"

This collection of Chekov's correspondence is weighted heavily toward the letters dealing with literary and intellectual matters. It provides insight into Chekov's development as a writer.

This book is a major critical biography of the poet Maria Tsvetaeva by one of the foremost authorities on her work.