Product Description

Although largely composed by Gogol during self-imposed exile in Italy in the late 1830s, this work remains perhaps the most essentially "Russian" of novels. The reader follows Chichikov, a dismissed civil servant turned confidence man, through the countryside in pursuit of his shady enterprise.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #230121 in Books
• Published on: 1971-01-28
• Original language: Russian
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
A socially adept newcomer fluidly inserts himself into an unnamed Russian town, conquering first the drinkers, then the dignitaries. Everyone finds him amiable, estimable and agreeable, but what exactly is Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov up to? Something, it transpires, that will soon throw the town "into utter perplexity".

After more than a week of entertainment and "passing the time, as they say, very pleasantly", he gets down to business--heading off to call on some landowners. More pleasantries ensue before Chichikov reveals his bizarre plan. He'd like to buy the souls of peasants who have died since the last census. The first landowner looks carefully to see if he's mad, but spots no outward signs. In fact, the scheme is innovative but by no means bonkers. Even though Chichikov will be taxed on the supposed serfs, he will be able to count them as his property and gain the reputation of a gentleman owner. His first victim is happy to give up his souls for free--less tax burden for him. The second, however, knows Chichikov must be up to something, and the third has his servants rough him up. Nonetheless, he prospers.

Dead Souls is a feverish anatomy of Russian society (the book was first published in 1842) and human wiles. Its author tosses off thousands of sublime epigrams--including, "However stupid a fool's words may be, they are sometimes enough to confound an intelligent man," and is equally adept at biting satire: "Where is he," Gogol interrupts the action, "who, in the native tongue of our Russian soul, could speak to us this all-powerful word: forward? who, knowing all the forces and qualities, and all the depths of our nature, could, by one magic gesture, point the Russian man towards a lofty life?" Flannery O'Connor, another writer of dark genius, declared Gogol "necessary along with the light". Though he was hardly the first to envision property as theft, his blend of comedy, the fantasy and morality is sui generis. --Kerry Fried

Review
Of Cossack stock, Gogol published the first part of Dead Souls in 1842 after eight years' work. Recognized as a masterpiece, it teems with life and vivid characters who reflect the very heart and soul of Russia. Unfortunately it remains incomplete, since Gogol burnt most of the second part shortly before his death in 1852. 'The Nose' and 'The Overcoat' are included in this collection of five stories, all of which carry an element of fantasy. (Kirkus UK)

About the Author
Robert A. Maguire is Bakmeteff Professor of Russian Studies at Columbia University, New York.