This book paints a vivid portrait of Anton Chekhov--a Russian writer
whose elusive personality and richly detailed plays have left an
indelible imprint upon the world's 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 Chekhov's plays--forged 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.