If only we could know!

"In this book of criticism, Chekhov's foremost Russian interpreter offers to Western readers a remarkably clear and commanding appraisal of the master's work." "Vladimir Kataev concerns himself chiefly with Chekhov's "conception of the world," his angle of vision on reality. It determines his unique treatment of a wide range of diverse themes, motifs, and situations. With ringing authority and critical common sense, Mr. Kataev examines Chekhov's major tales, stories, and plays, pointing out patterns of development in Chekhov's approach to characters and themes, and tracing the roots of Chekhov's ideas as expressed through his plots. One of the special virtues of the book is Mr. Kataev's persuasive discussion of the role that medical training played in Chekhov's approach to writing."--Jacket.