The Party and Other Stories

The Party and Other Stories is a book by Anton Chekhov, first published in 1901. This collection forms the fourth volume in the Tales of Chekhov series and brings together a range of short fiction that demonstrates Chekhov’s mastery of psychological realism and subtle social observation. Widely regarded as one of the great Russian authors of the nineteenth century, Chekhov is known for his influence on modern short story writing and literary fiction.

The stories included—such as “The Party,” “Terror,” “A Woman’s Kingdom,” “A Problem,” “The Kiss,” “Anna on the Neck,” “The Teacher of Literature,” “Not Wanted,” “Typhus,” “A Misfortune,” and “A Trifle from Life”—explore themes of love, moral conflict, social expectation, and personal disillusionment. Through characters drawn from provincial Russian society, including hesitant suitors, conflicted wives, ambitious social climbers, and introspective intellectuals, Chekhov examines the quiet tensions that shape ordinary lives. “The Kiss” follows the emotional turmoil of an awkward officer transformed by a mistaken romantic encounter, while “Anna on the Neck” portrays a young woman navigating marriage and social advancement.

Blending irony, compassion, and understated drama, these classic short stories offer insight into human frailty and aspiration. The collection remains an essential work of Russian literature and a significant example of nineteenth-century literary realism. The Party and Other Stories continues to attract readers seeking classic short fiction and enduring literary themes.

This translation by Constance Garnett was first published in 1917.