Checking Out Chekhov (Electronic book text)

This book paints a vivid portrait of Anton Chekhova Russian writer whose elusive personality and richly detailed plays have left an indelible imprint upon the worlds theatre. Every page reveals the joys and difficulties of his short life, his comic sensibility, deep compassion, and often puzzling use of dramatic style and genre. Carnicke demystifies Chekhovs playsforged from his literary innovations, avid theatergoing, love of vaudeville, and loathing of melodrama. She interweaves biographical and cultural information with insightful case studies and close analysis to leave her reader with a full and fresh perspective on an artist who is as foundational to theatrical traditions as are Shakespeare and Stanislavsky.