Ivan Turgenev stands as a towering figure in Russian literature, celebrated for his realistic and penetrating literary works. Through his novels and stories, he offered affectionate portrayals of the Russian peasantry alongside insightful studies of the intelligentsia striving for social reform and modernization. His masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century. While contemporaries often explored religious themes, Turgenev's focus was firmly on societal shifts and the evolution of Russian society.
Set against the backdrop of feudal Russia, the collection features twenty-five evocative stories that explore life on a manor through the lens of exile. The narratives delve into the complex relationships and conflicts between serfs and landlords, highlighting the struggles and resilience of those living under oppressive conditions. Each story is crafted with lyrical prose, offering a profound insight into the human experience during a tumultuous period in history.
Translated by Constance Garnett
Fathers and Sons stands out as a pivotal work in 19th-century literature, reflecting Turgenev's belief in the necessity for Russia to adopt Western ideals for progress. The novel explores generational conflict, particularly between traditional values and emerging nihilism, mirroring Turgenev's own opposition to serfdom and his admiration for German society. Renowned for his insightful characterizations and social commentary, Turgenev also gained recognition through his earlier work, A Sportsman's Sketches, and various short novels that delve into the complexities of human experience.
This collection brings together six of Turgenev's best-known `long' short stories, in which he turns his skills of psychological observation and black comedy to subjects as diverse as the tyranny of serfdom, love, and revenge on the Russian steppes. These stories all display the elegance and clarity of Turgenev's finest writing.
This collection, in a lyrical new translation by Nicolas Slater, places Turgenev's great novella First Love alongside a selection of his classic stories. From the evocative rural scenes of 'Bezhin Meadow' and 'Rattling Wheels', to the pathos and humanity of 'The District Doctor' and 'Biryuk', these are stories to be lingered over.
Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev was a multifaceted Russian literary figure known for his contributions as a novelist, short story writer, poet, and playwright. His works played a significant role in introducing and popularizing Russian literature in the West during the 19th century. Turgenev's writings often explore themes of love, social change, and the complexities of human relationships, reflecting the cultural and political landscape of his time.
Coming back to the “nest” of his family home in Russia after years of fruitless endeavours away from his roots, Lavretsky decides to turn his back on the vacuous salons of Paris and his frivolous and unfaithful wife Varvara Pavlovna. On his return he meets Liza, the daughter of one of his cousins, whom he had known when they were children and who rekindles in him long-smothered feelings of love. News of Varvara's death arrive from France, offering Lavretsky the prospect of a new life, but a cruel twist threatens to shatter his dreams and forces him to re-evaluate his plans. Hailed as a masterpiece of Russian literature, A Nest of the Gentry – Turgenev's most successful and widely read novel, here presented in a new translation by Michael Pursglove – deals with the personal struggles of the individual in a period of turbulent social change.
Set in 19th-century Russia, this novel explores the lives of the gentry and their interactions with the changing social landscape. Turgenev delves into themes of love, class, and the tension between tradition and progress. Its nuanced characters and rich social commentary resonated with readers, making it a significant work during its time. Praised for its depth and insight, it became one of Turgenev's most popular and least contentious novels, reflecting the complexities of Russian society.
Returning to Russia from Italy, twenty-three-year-old Dimitry Sanin breaks his journey in Frankfurt. There, he encounters the beautiful Gemma Roselli and falls in love. He decides to begin a new life and sell his Russian estates. But when he meets the potential buyer, Madame Polozov, his vulnerability makes him prey for a destructive infatuation.
This novel is a significant work in literary history, republished in a modern format to ensure its preservation for future generations. It has been meticulously reformatted and redesigned for clarity and readability, avoiding scanned copies of the original text. The book explores themes within the genres of Language and Literature, particularly focusing on Slavic and Russian literature, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Presented here in a masterful new translation by Michael Pursglove, this landmark collection established the literary reputation of the author, who considered it his most significant contribution to Russian literature, and is universally regarded as a milestone in the Russian realist tradition.