Abstract

Chekhov Revealed

The article focuses on the book, "Letters on the Short Story, the Drama, and Other Literary Topics by Anton Chekhov, selected and edited by Louis S. Friedland. The title of this volume is a bit misleading. It may give the impression that the book is a manual of rules and suggestions on authorship. And though there is sufficient consideration and criticism of literary media in the letters to justify the claim that the volume may be an aid to writing, the substance of these epistles is autobiography. As the quotations indicate, Mr. Friedland's translation is simple and satisfactory. In his thoughtful introduction the editor summarizes successfully Chekhov's attitude toward the art of writing, but he overemphasizes the service that the master may render to students of literary technique.