Literary enthusiasts are discovering a surprising new dimension to one of Russia's most celebrated writers, as freshly translated stories reveal Anton Chekhov's long-overlooked humorous side. The collection, published this month, showcases the author's early attempts at comedy and offers unprecedented insight into his development as a master storyteller.
The Man Behind the Masterpieces
These newly accessible works, translated by academics Mihkel Haav and Sasha Dugdale, present a Chekhov few modern readers would recognise. The collection includes 28 previously obscure stories written during the 1880s, when the young medical student was desperately trying to supplement his income through writing.
As translator Sasha Dugdale explains, "He was just trying to earn a few kopecks" - a motivation that led the budding author to experiment with various comedic styles and satirical approaches. The stories reveal a writer unafraid to be silly, with characters finding themselves in absurd situations that contrast sharply with the sober tone of his later, more famous works.
Early Literary Experiments
The translations showcase Chekhov's remarkable range during his formative years. Written between 1882 and 1887, these pieces demonstrate the author's willingness to explore different voices and styles long before he settled into the literary approach that would make him famous.
One particularly amusing story features a man who becomes convinced he's turning into a fish, while another follows the misadventures of a character who accidentally swallows a thermometer. These playful narratives reveal a writer experimenting with his craft and developing the keen observational skills that would later define his major works.
Academic Mihkel Haav notes that these early stories were crucial to Chekhov's development, allowing him to hone his technique and find his unique voice. The collection provides valuable context for understanding how the medical student evolved into one of literature's most respected short story writers.
Rediscovering a Literary Legend
This new publication challenges the conventional perception of Chekhov as primarily a serious, melancholic writer. The translations demonstrate that humour was always an essential part of his literary toolkit, even if it became more subtle in his mature works.
The collection's arrival in November 2025 marks a significant moment for literary scholarship and general readers alike. It offers a fresh perspective on a writer many thought they knew completely, revealing the playful spirit behind some of literature's most profound observations about the human condition.
For those familiar only with Chekhov's major works like The Cherry Orchard or Uncle Vanya, these early stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the writer's creative journey. They show that even literary giants had to start somewhere - and sometimes that beginning involved being deliberately, wonderfully silly.
