Anton Chekhov - Mikhail Pavlovich Chekhov

In a style reminiscent of Anton Chekhov himself - realistic, intimate, and dynamic - Mikhail Chekhov shares unparalleled memories and insights, transporting readers into the world of the Chekhov family. He visits the places where his brother lived and worked and introduces the people he knew and loved, Leo Tolstoy and Piotr Tchaikovsky among them. As a unique eyewitness to the beloved writer's formative years and his artistic maturity, Mikhail Chekhov shows here first-hand the events that inspired the plots for The Seagull, The Black Monk, and The Steppe, among other enduring works. Captivating, surprising, and a joy to read, this memoir reveals the remarkable life of one the most masterful storytellers of our time.

MIKHAIL CHEKHOV (1865-1936) was a writer and novelistin his own right, as well as Anton's assistant and secretary. His role as his brother's biographer began in 1905 when he was asked to share his recollections in a Moscow magazine.Mikhail died in Yalta in 1936 at the age of 71.

EUGENE ALPER has been a translator for over twenty yearsandhis work includesfive major plays by Anton Chekhov (with Professor Carl Mueller), a memoir about Anton Chekhov (by Isaak Altshuller), andmovie scripts and interviews for Paramount and Universal.

'...a gripping account of the life of one of literature's most important figures by one of the people who knew him best...With affection and insight he describes their family and friends...and events that inspired the plots of Chekhov's stories and plays. A true labour of love.' - The Good Book Guide, Editor's Choice - Biography& Memoirs April 2010

'A gripping study of Chekhov by his sibling.It offers a matchless eyewitness view of a man remarkable not just for literary genius but heroic decency.' - The Sunday Times

'It is wonderful to have this memoir finally translated into English. It provides a fascinating and absorbing portrait of Anton Chekhov and his circle. Mikhail Chekhov's voice has the uniquely compelling ring of authenticity.'
- William Boyd, award-winning author of A Good Man in Africa, Restless, andOrdinary Thunderstorms

'There are memorable images that give us a taste of what a frisky, playful prankster Anton was before TB struck him down. He once went fishing with a friend in formal tails and top hat; he startled another sleeping friend with a flashlight in the face; he kept a pet mongoose that alarmed visitors.' - Kirkus

'As a writer himself, Mikhail Chekhov often found it hard to be the 'brother of his brother'.This unpretentious and warm-hearted eye-witness account is indispensable reading for anyone wishing to acquire a vivid picture of Chekhov's remarkable life as it unfolded.' - Rosamund Bartlett, author of Chekhov: Scenes From a Life and translator of About Love and Other Stories and Chekhov: A Life in Letters

'This fine translation has been a long time coming...Like his brother, Mikhail is clear-headed and unsentimental, with a fine sense of humour and a sharp eye for telling detail....[an] attractively produced and well annotated volume.' - The Tablet