The Cambridge Introduction to Chekhov

James N. Loehlin is Shakespeare at Winedale Regents Professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of Chekhov: The Cherry Orchard in the Cambridge Plays in Production series, and the editor of Romeo and Juliet in the Cambridge Shakespeare in Production series. He has also written books on Shakespeare's Henry V, and Henry IV, Parts I and II. He has directed, acted in, or supervised productions of all Chekhov's major plays, as well as twenty-five of Shakespeare's plays.

• Chronology; 1. Life; 2. Chekhov in context; 3. Early stories; 4. Early plays; 5. Later stories; 6. Later plays; 7. Reception; Guide to further reading.

'James N. Loehlin's book offers the undergraduate student an expert analysis of Anton Chekhov's prose works and drama in their literary-historical context … This highly recommended book encourages the reader to appreciate Chekhov's unquestioned mastery of both drama and fiction … Loehlin explores adroitly Chekhov's humane if unsentimental vision, which combines comedy, dark humor, despair, skepticism, irony, and a 'yearning for the transcendent'. The book's annotated bibliography guides students in pursuing further research into Chekhov's works.' William M. Hawley, The European Legacy: Toward New Paradigms