Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - In 1841 a serf belonging to a Russian nobleman purchased his freedom and the freedom of his family for 3,500 roubles, being at the rate of 700 roubles a soul, with one daughter, Alexandra, thrown in for nothing. The grandson of this serf was Anton Chekhov, the author; the son of the nobleman was Tchertkov, the Tolstoyan and friend of Tolstoy. There is in this nothing striking to a Russian, but to the English student it is...

This volume contains translations of Chekhov's very earliest published short stories. The Chekhov represented here is by no means the confident, near-perfect craftsman who produced some of humanity's best short stories and plays. The artist presented here is a young man willing to experiment but searching for his style and voice. In a way, it can serve as inspiration for any aspiring writer that even the best are not born great, but rather achieve greatness through a relentless dedication to their craft.