The Plays of Anton Chekhov

by Anton Chekhov

Book Overview

These critically hailed translations of The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters and the other Chekhov plays are the only ones in English by a Russian-language scholar who is also a veteran Chekhovian actor.

Without compromising the spirit of the text, Paul Schmidt accurately translates Chekhov's entire theatrical canon, rescuing the humor "lost" in most academic translations while respecting the historical context and original social climate.

Schmidt's...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060928751
• ISBN13: 9780060928759
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

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!

A great set of plays and very readable

I haven't read Chekhov's plays in Russian so I can't say anything about the translation except that it is very readable.Chekhov had his own unique style in that his plays were usually mere verbal interaction with most significant action taking place offstage. Even though most of his plays, especially his four act plays, take place at rich, country houses far removed from any sort of normal life, he seems to pick out timeless themes of humanness in several characters and weave them together into an almost plotless commentary. The fact that his plays have endured as long as they have are a testament to his genius and his skill at seeing timeless ideas.Chekhov's long plays are always revered and remembered as classics but this collection gives the reader a chance to see what an unbelievable short play writer he was. They have their own special feel apart from his longer works and give short little insights to the comedy and often comedic tragedy of human nature and human absurdity.The Cherry Orchard, the Seagull, and Uncle Vanya are classic four acts by Chekhov but don't overlook Ivanov. It was one of his earlier ones and one of my favorites. Chekhov does a good job of making several unique characters and having them react around the central situation and an older man and a younger woman give you an interesting view at an interesting love story.For short plays I would recommend "The Bear", "The Proposal", and "A Reluctant Tragic Hero". Especially in the Proposal Chekhov's comedy is especially portrayed.This collection, in general, an all-around good read. Well worth reading this collection of one of the best playwrights.

The single finest English translation of Chekhov

This translation, which incorporates the original vernacular seamlessly into a contemporary translation, is by FAR the finest translation of Chekhov's plays (especially *Uncle Vanya*) I have ever read, or am likely to. As a professor of dramatic literature, I will never again teach Chekhov without assigning my students this fine edition--may it long stay in print.

Finally, a fresh translation of Chekhov!

Having taught Chekhov for a number of years, using translations by Constance Garnett, Elizaveta Fen, David Mamet, and others, it's a pleasure to discover Schmidt's recent translation of Chekhov's major plays. His translations, at times daring linguistically, bring a fresh vitality to Chekhov's plays. I am especially fond of his translations of Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard. New generations of Chekhov readers will find Schmidt's work interesting, accessible, and energetic.