Five Plays: Ivanov, The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard (Oxford World's Classics)

I want to just say that I totally agree with George Saunders when he says about Chekhov in his recent book about great Russian authors: "He was a doctor, and his approach to fiction feels lovingly diagnostic. Walking into the examination room, finding Life sitting there, he seems to say: "Wonderful, let's see what's going on!"... (It couldn't be said any better!!!)

I think the truth about Chekhov, if we're going to honest, is that he is just so damn good it's hard to really find anything to critique the bastard. I have enjoyed everything by Chekhov, from his short stories (Lady With The Dog) to his novels and plays. What really stands out to me in this collection is Three Sisters, which I consider to be a masterpiece. Though Hemingway would disagree, I think Chekhov is perfectly capable of depth and fertility of sentiment unlike most Russian authors. Just look at what we have through Carver now, probably because of the influence of Chekhov. One would not regret having this copy of Five Play adorn their bookshelf. I mean, come on, if for no other reason to admire the spine among the other great works of literature.

I am not a Chekhov fan because I am of the opinion that it always feels like nothing is happening and that as a reader it is very boring. However as a student and learning about the history of the time and Chekhov's intentions, these plays are not meant to be so heavy & dramatic, but in fact are comedies due to their commentary on how all of these people create their own misery and literally do nothing to change their lives and continuously want to blame others for their own lack of action. These are classic plays that any theatre student or practitioner should know. Very good for scene work and discovery.

This book is perfect for my college age daughter

The translator, Ronald Hingley, makes some interesting observations in his introduction.

Excellent books

Based on the outstanding quality of his Plays and Short Stories, Anton Chekhov is commonly considered one of the most influential, respected and beloved literary figures of the twentieth century. I recommend his writing in both fields to anyone who enjoys reading great literature. The Five Plays included in this volume -- Ivanov, The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard -- are recognized as Chekhov's greatest and most important works as a playwright. The problems I have with the Oxfords World's Classics edition of Chekhov's plays are: (1) the translation; (2) the absence of any shorter plays by Chekhov; (3) the scarcity of supplemental material like notes and commentary. These might seem like minor, nit-picky complaints; however, they become major flaws when we compare the Oxford editions with other available collections of Chekhov plays.In my opinion, the Hingley translation was over-anglicized and thus missing the "Russian" feel of other translations. Compare it, for instance, with the Selenick: "Misha" (in Selenick) becomes "Michael" (in Hingley)"Lyubov Andreevna" becomes "Mrs. Ranevskaya""Lent, third week" is shortened to "before easter""peasant" is rendered as "country bumpkin"Here's what I recommend instead. These editions also contain Chekhov's 5 major plays, but all go above and beyond the basic, "bare-bones-package" of the Oxford edition. Anton Chekhov's Selected Plays (Norton Critical Editions) : includes additional short plays: The Bear, The Wedding and The Celebration. Also nearly 100 pages of Chekhov's letters in which he discusses his plays. Also 100-page sections of commentary by literary critics and Directors of theater who have taken part in the production of the plays themselves. Translated and heavily annotated by Laurence Senelick. The Plays of Anton Chekhov : Nine plays total. Acclaimed translated by Chekhovian actor Paul Schmidt. The Complete Plays : Also the Selenick translation. The most complete collection of Chekhov's stage works currently available. 1000+ pages.

Having viewed the Young Chekov series at Chichester Theatre Festival, I embarked on my "Chekov by total immersion" phase, and this book is an excellent way to catch up on several of his other better known plays. Often productions can look dated and slightly boring, so I believe that reading the plays can really help to give a fuller understanding of his marvellous writing and technique.

Very pleased This is a response to theatre London daughter dragged us screaming to see in a congested tier which turned out wonderful and so I bought Chekhov which from school I always felt to be tedious but once opened up it is relevant and fun

Awesome, really interesting, very dramatic

Prompt delivery, item as described, very well packaged. Happy customer

I have tried to read Russian literature to no avail. Honestly I hate plays too. And Russian plays? Let's be honest, I'm not excited about this book BUT....One of my favourite contemporary Canadian authors, listed done of the books that influenced her and her writing so I decided to get them and read them for what that's worth. 0 for 2 so far but I will persevere! She mentioned The Seagull and it is one of the plays in this book. I'm not there yet but I am learning bits and pieces about Chekov that I never knew so ....all in all not a bad thing. If you love Russian plays though you'll be thrilled with Chekov's most famous 5 plays that are in this collection.