Reproduction of the original: The Mantle and Other Stories by Nicholas Gogol

As a novel-writer and a dramatist, Gogol appears to me to deserve a minute study, and if the knowledge of Russian were more widely spread, he could not fail to obtain in Europe a reputation equal to that of the best English humorists. A delicate and close observer, quick to detect the absurd, bold in exposing, but inclined to push his fun too far, Gogol is in the first place a very lively satirist. He is merciless towards fools and rascals, but he has only one weapon at his disposalÑirony. This is a weapon which is too severe to use against the merely absurd, and on the other hand it is not sharp enough for the punishment of crime; and it is against crime that Gogol too often uses it. His comic vein is always too near the farcical, and his mirth is hardly contagious. If sometimes he makes his reader laugh, he still leaves in his mind a feeling of bitterness and indignation; his satires do not avenge society, they only make it angry. As a painter of manners, Gogol excels in familiar scenes. He is akin to Teniers and Callot. We feel as though we had seen and lived with his characters, for he shows us their eccentricities, their nervous habits, their slightest gestures. One lisps, another mispronounces his words, and a third hisses because he has lost a front tooth. Unfortunately Gogol is so absorbed in this minute study of details that he too often forgets to subordinate them to the main action of the story. To tell the truth, there is no ordered plan in his works, andÑa strange trait in an author who sets up as a realistÑhe takes no care to preserve an atmosphere of probability. His most carefully painted scenes are clumsily connectedÑthey begin and end abruptly; often the author's great carelessness in construction destroys, as though wantonly, the illusion produced by the truth of his descriptions and the naturalness of his conversations.

A collection of short comic stories “This world is full of the most outrageous nonsense. Sometimes things happen which you would hardly think possible.”-The Nose, Nikolai Gogol This is a collection of five short satiric stories by Nikolai Gogol that focus on the ugly and the sad elements in life.

Explore the Literary Genius of Nikolai Gogol with this Captivating 2 Ebook Combo Embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Russian literature with this enthralling collection of Nikolai Gogol's masterpieces, offering a profound exploration of human nature, society, and the human condition. Book 1: The Mantle, and Other Stories Immerse yourself in a world of vivid characters and poignant narratives as Gogol presents a collection of short stories that showcase his unparalleled talent for blending humor, satire, and social commentary. From the absurdity of bureaucracy to the struggles of the common man, Gogol's stories resonate with timeless themes and universal truths. Book 2: Dead Souls Step into the satirical world of provincial Russia as Gogol introduces us to Chichikov, a charming but morally dubious protagonist who embarks on a quest to acquire "dead souls" – the names of deceased serfs still listed on tax rolls. Through Chichikov's misadventures, Gogol offers a scathing critique of the corruption and moral decay of Russian society, while also exploring themes of identity, redemption, and the search for meaning. Embark on a Journey Through the Heart of Russian Literature: Can Gogol's Tales Illuminate the Human Soul? Join the Literary Expedition! As you delve into Gogol's timeless tales, ponder the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of society. Can we find redemption in the face of corruption and despair? The answers lie within these profound works, inviting you to explore the depths of the human soul and the mysteries of the Russian psyche. Unlock the Gates of Literary Splendor - Begin Your Journey Today!

"Gogol, Nikolai Vassilievitch. Born in the government of Pultowa, March 31 1809, died at Moscow, March 4 1852. A Russian novelist and dramatist. He was educated in a public gymnasium at Pultowa, and subsequently in the lyceum, then newly established, at Niejinsk. In 1831, Gogol brought out the first volume of his Ukrainian stories, 'Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka'. It met with immediate success, and he followed it a year later with a second volume. ‘The Nose’ is regarded as a masterwork of comic short fiction, and ‘The Overcoat’ is now seen as one of the greatest short stories ever written. Nikolai Gogol, the Russian writer and playwright, who understood better than any artist since what “perfect nonsense goes on in the world.” Born in Ukraine — then a colony dubbed “Little Russia” — Gogol began writing stories while pursuing a short-lived government career in St. Petersburg. He started with Ukrainian folklore, and a sinister, fairy-tale lightness persists in his later, more renowned stories about the imperial capital. There are supernatural accents, but the underlying world is real, made strange by an infrared humor that finds cosmic anarchy in the smallest fissures of everyday life. The most famous and inspirational works of Nikolai Gogol include The Mantle, Evenings at the Farm, St Petersburg Stories, Taras Bulba, a tale of the Cossacks, The Revizor, The Viy, The Nose, A May Night, The Mantle, Memoirs of a Madman and many more.

HEART OF DARKNESS * AN OUTPOST OF PROGRESS * KARAIN * YOUTH The finest of all Conrad's tales, 'Heart of Darkness' is set in an atmosphere of mystery and menace, and tells of Marlow's perilous journey up the Congo River to relieve his employer's agent, the renowned and formidable Mr Kurtz. What he sees on his journey, and his eventual encounter with Kurtz, horrify and perplex him, and call into question the very bases of civilization and human nature. Endlessly reinterpreted by critics and adapted for film, radio, and television, the story shows Conrad at his most intense and sophisticated. The other three tales in this volume depict corruption and obsession, and question racial assumptions. Set in the exotic surroundings of Africa, Malaysia. and the east, they variously appraise the glamour, folly, and rapacity of imperial adventure. This revised edition uses the English first edition texts and has a new chronology and bibliography. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

In this first-ever illustrated biography published with the support of the Mantle family, the authors cover Mickey Mantle's entire life, from his impoverished youth to his glorious career to his poignant sunset years. It features rare photos and never-before-seen memorabilia, with ten pull-out, removable facsimiles.