The Duel and Other Stories

This captivating collection of short stories, selected from works written during Chekhov's prolific period, displays those qualities for which the Russian author and playwright is famous: a natural aptitude for detail, dialogue, humor, and compassion. The six masterfully executed tales, reprinted here in the authoritative Constance Garnett translation, include "The Darling," a poignant piece supporting the claim that life has no meaning without love; "The Kiss," a fanciful confection recounting an officer's brief encounter with an unknown woman; as well as "Anna on the Neck," "The Man in a Case," "The Malefactor," and the title story. As noted by author John Barth, "Chekhov is a superb anatomist of the human heart and an utter master of his literary means. The details of scene and behavior, the emotions registered — seldom bravura, typically muted and complex, often as surprising to the characters themselves as to the reader but always right — move, astonish, and delight us line after line, story after story."