Nikolai Wassiljewitsch Gogol Books

Collected here are superb new translations of the finest tales - from the founding master of Russian surreal allegory and irony

Six short stories probe the mind of man to reveal his hidden motives.

Collected here are Gogol's finest tales - stories which combine the wide-eyed, credulous imagination of the peasant with the sardonic social criticism of the city dweller - allowing readers to experience anew the unmistakable genius of a writer who paved the way of Dostoevsky and Kakfa.

The Overcoat which is generally acknowledged as the finest of Gogol's memorable Saint Petersburg stories, is a tale of the absurd and misplaced obsessions.

Featuring a collection of short stories, this work showcases Gogol's mastery of comic fiction and his profound influence on literature. Notable tales include "The Viy," "The Nose," and "The Mantle," each reflecting his unique storytelling style. Gogol, a pivotal figure in Russian literature, is celebrated for his ability to blend humor with deeper social commentary. His works, particularly "The Overcoat," have left a lasting impact on literary history, earning him recognition as a foundational figure in the Golden Age of Realism.

The first story in this volume, How the Two Ivans Quarrelled, is an amusing portrayal of two exceptionally close friends, the mortal insult that drives them apart, and the ensuing chaos that occurs. This is Gogol's humour at its best, where the most irrelevant-seeming details and turns of phrase take on a bizarre life of their own. Ivan Krylov's Panegyric in Memory of My Grandfather has an ingenuous narrator praise the nobility and modesty of a landowner whose actions prove him to be otherwise. The two tales by Mikhail Saltykov are satirical attacks on civil servants and Russia's autocracy. The final piece, Tolstoy's Ivan the Fool, is a playful and allegorical critique of contemporary Russian society. Together, they represent some of Russia's finest comic writing before the twentieth century.

Collected here are Gogol’s finest tales—stories that combine the wide-eyed, credulous imagination of the peasant with the sardonic social criticism of the city dweller—allowing readers to experience anew the unmistakable genius of a writer who paved the way for Dostoevsky and Kafka. All of Gogol’s most memorable creations are here: the minor official who misplaces his nose, the downtrodden clerk whose life is changed by the acquisition of a splendid new overcoat, the wily madman who becomes convinced that a dog can tell him everything he needs to know. The wholly unique blend of the mundane and the supernatural that Gogol crafted established his reputation as one of the most daring and inventive writers of his time. From the acclaimed translators of War and Peace, Crime and Punishment, and The Brothers Karamazov, a brilliant translation of Nikolai Gogol’s short fiction.

Nikolai Gogol's work offers a sharp critique of society, highlighting the absurdities of bureaucracy and corruption. This collection features his renowned drama "The Government Inspector," celebrated for its biting satire, and a range of short stories that explore the lives of society's marginalized, from clerks to swindlers. Notable pieces include "Diary of a Madman," which delves into madness, "Nevsky Prospect," portraying obsession, and "The Overcoat," a poignant reflection on poverty that left a lasting impact on Russian literature.

The story revolves around young lovers thwarted by the girl's father, leading the boy to make a perilous pact with a witch to win her affection. Set against a backdrop of Ukrainian folklore, it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural. Nikolai Gogol, a pivotal figure in Russian literature, is celebrated for his unique storytelling and influence on realism. This edition includes a new introductory biography, enhancing the reader's understanding of Gogol's impact on literature and his enduring legacy.