CLASSIC GARNETT TRANSLATIONS

Chekhov, Anton Pavlovitch (1860–1904)

Short Stories [Modern Readers' Series]

New York: The Macmillan Company, 1928.
A representative early 20th-century American edition of Chekhov’s stories, presented in the widely read Garnett translation that shaped English-language reception of Russian literature for decades.

Issued as part of Macmillan’s Modern Readers' Series, the volume balances accessibility with restrained decorative design, seen in the framed title pages and classical border motifs. It serves as a primary document of the democratization of Russian modernism for the American public.

CONDITION: Good-Plus
+++ The Book: The bindings are tight and square, remaining structurally sound for a series designed for frequent handling. The internal text block is clean and free of markings, exhibiting a light, even age-toning consistent with 1920s trade paper. The blue cloth shows moderate shelf handling wear, with some light rubbing to the extremities and softening at the spine ends, though the gilt remains legible.  Previous owner's name on the front free endpage.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Physical:  Blue cloth with gilt-stamped spine titles and a blind-stamped decorative border to the front board. Typographic and ornamental title pages with classical framed borders. Specs: 7.25 inches tall; xxvi, [2], 1–309, [3 ads] pages
+++ Content: Includes essential stories such as 'The Darling,' 'The Bishop,' 'Easter Eve,' 'The Student,' and 'About Love.' 
+++ Scholarship: Features a substantial introduction by Evelyn May Albright and the definitive Constance Garnett translations.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
Anton Chekhov redefined the short story by moving away from traditional plot structures toward a focus on mood, subtext, and the 'anti-climax.' By 1928, his status as a titan of world literature was being solidified in the United States through accessible series like this Macmillan imprint.

The presence of Constance Garnett’s translation is significant. Despite modern debates regarding her 'Victorianized' tone, her work was the critical bridge that allowed Russian literature to penetrate the Anglo-American canon. This edition represents the era's commitment to The Modern Reader, bringing high-tier European literature to the burgeoning American middle class.

SUBJECTS: Anton Chekhov, Constance Garnett translations, Russian fiction, early 20th-century publishing, Modern Readers' Series, Short Stories, Russian Literature, Literature.

Item #21970

Price: $45.00