Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) was a Russian playwright ('The Seagull', 'Uncle Vanya', 'The Cherry Orchard') and short story writer ('The Lady with the Dog') who is widely considered to be one of the greatest literary giants of all time. Chekhov was not only a writer, but also a physician (which he regarded as his main profession), traveller and critic, whose output was prolific during his short life before he died of TB at the age of only 44. This collection of Chekhov's letters, translated from the original Russian by Sidonie K Lederer, edited and with an Introduction by Lillian Hellman, was first published in 1955 and in this first (revised) paperback edition in 1984. 'As witty and observant as his great plays and stories, Chekhov's letters exemplify his artistry and humanity.'