About the Author

Donald Rayfield (born 1942) is professor of Russian and Georgian at Queen Mary, University of London. He is an author of books about Russian and Georgian literature, and about Joseph Stalin and his secret police. He is also a series editor for books about Russian writers and intelligentsia.

Reviews

Without question the definitive biography of Chekhov, and like to remain so for a very long time to come. . . . [Rayfield] captures a likeness of the notoriously elusive Chekhov, which at last begins to seem recognizably human - and even more extraordinary."" - Michael Frayn

""Full of fascinating surprises. It is hard to imagine another book about Chekhov after this one. . . . A sculpted likeness of a most human genius shown in the context of his time."" - Arthur Miller

""The life Rayfield describes is no less impressive for having a flawed, at times unsympathetic, figure at its center. And his restraint in presenting his controversial new findings - along with the sheer quantity of fresh material he has amassed - is finally what makes his portrait so persuasive. His clear-eyed, critical sympathy for his less-than-perfect subject might have been borrowed from Chekhov's own writing."" - New York Times Book Review

Having spent five years researching Chekhov's life in Russia, where he uncovered previously unpublished letters and documents from family, lovers, and friends, Rayfield (Russian, Univ. of London) is able to throw fresh light on the life and work of one of Russia's great writers. Rayfield concentrates on Chekhov's relationships with his family and friends and the role tuberculosis played in his life, paying less attention to analyzing his fiction except when the works emerged from his experiences. As a result, Chekhov's medical training and stormy relationships with his family come vividly to life, as does his battle with tuberculosis, which claimed him at age 44. Those new to Chekhov will find Rayfield's short, concise chapters a blessing. This should become a standard reference on Chekhov's life; recommended for all literary collections.‘Ronald Ratliff, Chapman H.S. Lib., Kan.