Anton Chekhov is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of short stories. He constructs stories where action & drama are implied rather than described openly, & which leave much to the reader's imagination. This collection contains some of the most important of his earliest & shortest comic sketches, as well as examples of his great, mature works. Throughout, the doctor-turned-writer displays compassion for human suffering & misfortune, but is always able to see the comical, even farcical aspects of the human condition.