A Volga merchant's son inherits the barges, the money and the trade, and cannot make himself want any of it — he drinks, he asks people what life is for, and nobody in the merchant world has an answer. Gorky — the name means Bitter — was orphaned at eleven, worked as a dishwasher, baker and dock hand and shot himself at nineteen; this 1899 novel is the first great portrait of the class that was running Russia and did not know why.

In these intimate recollections, Maxim Gorky presents Leo Tolstoy not as a distant monument but as a living, shifting presence: ill, recovering, arguing, laughing, and thinking aloud about God, freedom, art, religion, and human duty. Drawn from notes made during Tolstoy's Crimea illness and from a later unfinished letter, the portrait remains fragmentary by design, preserving the immediacy of first impressions and the ache of loss after Tolstoy's death. Gorky captures his striking hands, h...

The novel centers on the character of a man who is undergoing a profound personal crisis. He reflects on his life and his actions, confessing his inner turmoil and struggles. The narrative delves into his psychological and emotional state, revealing his feelings of guilt, regret, and existential questioning.Gorky uses this introspective journey to explore broader themes such as the nature of human existence, the search for meaning, and the impact of one's actions on their sense of self. Th...

This collection of stories revolves around the character of Orlâff and his wife, depicting their lives and experiences within the context of the Barefoot Brigade—a term used to describe the impoverished and downtrodden of society."Orlâff and His Wife" focuses on the daily struggles and challenges faced by the titular characters. Orlâff is often portrayed as a hard-working but beleaguered figure, while his wife supports the family despite their dire circumstances. The stories provide a vivi...

The novel centers around three men—Yakob Ivanovich, Matvei Savvich, and Piotr Ivanovich—who live in a small provincial town in Russia. Each of these men represents different aspects of Russian society at the turn of the 20th century, and through their interactions and individual stories, Gorky explores the broader social, political, and philosophical issues facing Russia during this period.Yakob Ivanovich is a small-time shopkeeper, whose life is dominated by the mundane routines of his bu...

The story revolves around the character Ivan Semyonich, a peasant who has a reputation in his village for being extremely fearful and timid. He is known as "The Man Who Was Afraid" because he is easily frightened by even the smallest things. Ivan Semyonich's fear makes him the subject of ridicule and mockery among his fellow villagers.However, as the story unfolds, the reader discovers that there is more to Ivan Semyonich's fearfulness than meets the eye. He carries a dark secret from his ...

"The Spy: The Story of a Superfluous Man" is a novel by Russian author Maksim Gorky that delves into themes of existentialism, alienation, and societal critique. The story follows the protagonist, a man who feels out of place and unnecessary in the society around him.The novel is set against a backdrop of political and social unrest, and it explores the protagonist's feelings of being a "superfluous man" who struggles to find meaning and purpose. The character’s sense of disconnection and ...

The book opens with Ivan Bunin's reflections, where he describes Chekhov’s remarkable intellect, wit, and kindness. Bunin shares anecdotes that highlight Chekhov’s humble beginnings and his evolution into one of the most influential writers of his time. He emphasizes Chekhov’s ability to observe human nature with unparalleled clarity, capturing the essence of life in his stories. Bunin’s admiration for Chekhov is palpable, as he discusses the profound impact Chekhov’s work had on the Russi...

In this volume, Gorky recounts the challenging years of his adolescence, during which he takes on various jobs and experiences the harsh realities of working-class life in Russia. He works as an apprentice to different tradespeople, encountering exploitation, cruelty, and the struggles of the lower classes. These experiences shape his worldview, contributing to his developing social consciousness and his eventual alignment with the revolutionary movement. Gorky also describes his thirst fo...

"Twenty-Six and One, and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories written by the Russian author Maxim Gorky. Maxim Gorky, the pseudonym of Alexei Maximovich Peshkov (18681936), was a prominent and influential figure in Russian literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known for his works that explore the lives of the working class and address social and political issues.The collection "Twenty-Six and One, and Other Stories" likely includes a variety of short st...

Gorky's writing in "The Outcasts, and Other Stories" is characterized by its realism and social criticism. His stories are deeply rooted in the realities of the time, focusing on the lives of the lower classes and the struggles they face. He portrays his characters with a mix of harsh realism and compassion, making them both relatable and tragic.The overarching themes in the collection include social inequality, the brutality of life for the poor, the search for dignity in a dehumanizing w...

In "Through Russia," Gorky depicts his travels across various regions of the country, providing observations and insights into the social, political, and cultural changes taking place in the aftermath of the revolution. The travelogue offers Gorky's perspectives on the state of the nation, the conditions of the people, and his encounters with different individuals and communities.Gorky's narrative reflects his support for the Soviet regime and his enthusiasm for the ideals of the revolutio...