Franklin Library leather edition of Anton Chekhov's " Greatest Plays," a Limited edition, Translated by Elisaveta Fen, Illustrated by Stan Hunter, one of the OXFORD LIBRARY OF THE WORLD'S GREAT BOOKS series, published in 1984. Bound in light brown leather, the book has marbled paper end leaves, satin book marker, acid-free paper, Symth-sewn binding, hubbed spine, gold gilding on three edges---in FINE condition---opened from SHRINK WRAP for photos. Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, who lived from 1860--1904, was a Russian playwright and short story writer. Chekhov is often referred to as one of the seminal figures in the birth of early modernism in the theater. This volume includes: "The Sea Gull," "Uncle Vanya,"  "The Three Sisters," and "The Cherry Orchard" which Chekhov wrote as the first play for the new MOSCOW ART THEATRE, and although he knew he was dying, he did finish the play and did attend the premiere production.  "The Cherry Orchard" is the story of an aristocratic Russian woman, Lubov, and her family as they return to their family estate just before the estate is auctioned to pay the mortgage. While presented with options to save the estate, the family hires a local orchestra to play for a ball while LOPAKIN, a former serf on the estate, purchases the "finest cherry orchard" in Russia. Firs, an old servant, is left behind when the family leaves to the sound of the cherry orchard being cut down.  The story presents cultural futility and newfound materialism. In reflecting the socio-economic forces at work in Russia at the turn of the 20th century, including the rise of the middle class, after the abolition of serfdom in the mid-19th century and the sinking of the aristocracy, the play reflect forces at work around the globe during that period.  Dr. Chekhov practiced as a medical doctor throughout most of his literary career: "Medicine is my lawful wife," he once said, "and literature is my mistress." 274 pages----a GORGEOUS binding! I offer Combined shipping.