Anton Chekhov is considered by many as one of the greatest short story writers of all-time. In addition to the large number of short stories that he wrote he also produced several dramatic masterpieces. His best known works include "The Cherry Orchard", "Ivanov", "Uncle Vanya", and "Three Sisters". Those plays along with "The Sea-Gull", "The Swan Song", "On the High Road", "The Proposal", "The Wedding", "The Bear", "A Tragedian in Spite of Himself", and "The Anniversary" are included in this representative volume of "The Plays of Anton Chekhov".
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Who needs Cliff's Notes when you've got Schmidt's Notes?:
It neither surprises nor pleases me to learn that this is the current actor's standard for Chekhov translations in America. I bought this as a text for an acting class, and I kept it because Chekhov was a great writer and no translator can change that. However, the plays collected in this volume aren't treated as literature. If they were, we wouldn't get twelve of them; the one-act comic sketches were, as Schmidt well knows, only written to make money. They certainly weren't intended as filler for the... more info
Satisfied customer:
This book arrived promptly in new condition. It is the best translation of Chekhov's plays I have ever read. Our play-reading group enjoyed reading it together.
best translation you can get for American Actors!!:
Renowned Director and Chekhov afficionado David Cromer swears by this translation of Chekhov's greatest (and lesser-known as well) works. I agree, its truly the most accessible translation for the American mouth I've ever read/performed. Perfect for monologue auditions, or productions of your own. ACTORS, STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS ALIKE SHOULD ALL OWN THIS TRANSLATION!
Dislikes new translation:
Although the author does a very good job putting the text of the plays into the modern English vernacular, I feel as though the works have had their flavor removed. If you are a purist, like I am, stick to the "old" translation.