Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov was a Russian writer and playwright from the 19th century, and he also worked as a physician. He is closely associated with short stories and plays, and the works listed here show that range across the late 1800s.

His writing tends to be precise, compact, and observant. He often focuses on ordinary situations, social awkwardness, and the gap between what people say and what they really mean. The result is work that feels understated on the surface, but sharp in the details and in the way it reveals character.

A good place to start is "The Lady with the Dog", "Ward No. 6", or "The Death of a Government Clerk" if you want a clear entry point into his short fiction. If you prefer something a bit lighter or more ironic, try "Chameleon" or "The Bet". For a slightly longer read, "My Life" is a good option.