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Maxim Gorki

    March 16, 1868 – June 18, 1936

    This author is a founder of the socialist realism literary method and a political activist who left a significant mark on literary history. His work reflects his deep convictions and political stances, shaping his artistic direction. He was a multiple nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature, underscoring his international literary significance. Upon his return to the Soviet Union, he fully embraced the cultural policies of the era.

    Maxim Gorki
    Three of Them
    The Confession
    Enemies
    Creatures That Once Were Men
    Childhood
    From Karamzin to Bunin
    • Creatures That Once Were Men

      • 158 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Set in the depths of Russian society, this 1897 novella by Maxim Gorky explores the harsh realities faced by the marginalized and downtrodden. Through vivid portrayals and a social realism lens, it delves into the struggles and despair of those at the bottom, echoing themes found in Gorky's other works. The novella is part of his collection "Sketches and Stories," showcasing Gorky's commitment to highlighting the plight of the oppressed.

      Creatures That Once Were Men
      4.0
    • The Confession

      A Novel

      • 172 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Set in the early 20th century, this short novel explores themes of personal struggle and existential reflection through the eyes of its protagonist. Maxim Gorky delves into the complexities of human emotion and societal pressures, offering a poignant critique of life during that era. The work's publication history highlights its significance, as it was featured in a notable compilation and also released independently, indicating its impact on contemporary literature.

      The Confession
      4.0
    • Three of Them

      • 414 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      Focusing on the journey of Ilya Lunyev, a boy from an urban slum, the novel explores his transition into middle-class society. As he navigates this new world, he confronts the harsh reality of moral decay that permeates all social classes, leading to his disillusionment. Gorky's work delves into themes of class struggle and the quest for authenticity in a corrupt environment.

      Three of Them
      3.0
    • My Childhood

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      'I could hear the frost crackling outside. Greenish moonbeams shone through windows covered with patterns of ice...' One of the most moving accounts of being a boy ever written, My Childhood is a both wonderful and harrowing memoir - and one of the great works of Russian literature. A new series of twenty distinctive, unforgettable Penguin Classics in a beautiful new design and pocket-sized format, with coloured jackets echoing Penguin's original covers.

      My Childhood
      4.0
    • Mother

      The Great Revolutionary Novel

      • 416 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      Maksim Gorky was a Soviet author and founder of the socialist realism literary method. He was also a political activist who spent several lengthy stays in Capri and Italy. Gorky traveled throughout his native land and at one point became friends with Lenin. His travels overwhelmed him with the vastness and beauty of his country and they also made him sharply aware of the ignorance and poverty of its people. This novel tells the story of the common proletariat who protested against the czar and the capitalists which eventually led to the October Revolution. Pelageya is the wife of a factory worker who ignores the political upheaval in her country in favor of caring for her personal life. She represents hundreds of workers who are concerned with living their lives. Her son Pavel takes a different path and joins the revolution inspiring many Russians who were living under a capitalistic society in Russia. Gorky saw the "mother country" as supporting her children as they fought for their rights.

      Mother
      4.0
    • The Outcasts, and Other Stories

      • 142 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Maxim Gorky, a prominent Russian writer and political activist, is known for his impactful literary contributions and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times. His diverse experiences from traveling across the Russian Empire and holding various jobs significantly shaped his storytelling and themes. Gorky's life and work reflect a deep understanding of the struggles and resilience of the human spirit, making him a key figure in Russian literature.

      The Outcasts, and Other Stories
      3.8
    • The Lower Depths

      A Drama in Four Acts

      • 124 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Maxim Gorky, a prominent Russian writer and political activist, is celebrated for his impactful literature and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times. His diverse experiences traveling across the Russian Empire and holding various jobs significantly shaped his writing style and themes. Gorky's work often reflects the struggles and resilience of the human spirit, drawing from the rich tapestry of his life experiences.

      The Lower Depths
      3.8