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More copies of this ISBN:How to Write Like Chekhov: Advice and Inspiration, Straight from His Own Letters and Workby Piero Brunello
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Russian writer Maxim Gorky said of Anton Chekhov that no one has ever understood "the tragedy of life's trivialities" as clearly as Chekhov. Chekhov's singular ability to mesh comedy and pathos, to capture life's basic sadness — and yet to do this while entertaining audiences — this is why so many wish to write like him. Now "How to Write Like Chekhov," by drawing extensively from Chekhov's own letters to his publisher, his brother, and his friends, pulls back the curtain on Chekhov's technique and ideas to show just how one can go about doing this.
"Conciseness is the sister of talent," Chekhov famously said. This and hundreds of other punctual, precise, illuminating observations and suggestions are organized into thematic chapters that cover such subjects as plots and characters (and their names), descriptions and dialogues, what to focus on, and what to avoid. Chekhov's advice hews to his central preoccupation: the search for truth in art. Review:"Edited by professors Brunello and Lencek, this writing primer makes a thorough guide to the spare, realist style that made Chekhov one of the world's greatest playwrights and short story writers. Drawing specific (and more oblique) literary advice from Chekhov's correspondence and his experimental travel memoir The Island of Sakhalin (perhaps his most ambitious and personal project), the editors develop an insightful, practical outline of Chekhov's literary approach. Following Lencek's intelligent introduction, advice is helpfully broken down by topic, covering general questions of audience, subject and approach ('Witness, Don't Judge'); specific issues like plot, character and emotion ('Knowing How to Suffer'); observation and reporting ('Study the Graffiti'); and 'the actual writing' ('Tell Stories as They Were Told'). Both Chekhov's correspondence and his excerpts prove interesting and illustrative, especially the work from Sakhalin that cast him as writer, ethnographer, tourist and census-taker. Including a 'who's who' of Chekhov's pen pals and suggestion for further reading, this is a useful and smart guide for writers of all kinds." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Book News Annotation:This resource for writers presents excerpts from letters written by
Anton Chekov between 1886 and 1902 to provide advice and inspiration
on writing. Chekov discusses plot, characters, descriptions,
dialogue, what to emphasize and avoid, the concept of truth,
emotions, general questions about what and how to write, observing,
and being objective, among other topics. Brunello (social history,
the U. of Venice, Italy) and Lencek (Russian and humanities, Reed
College) then connect the advice to examples in his nonfiction travel
memoir, The Island of Sakhalin. There is no index.
Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Review:Publishers Weekly, starred online review, 11/3/08 “Makes a thorough guide…An insightful, practical outline of Chekhov’s literary approach. Following Lencek’s intelligent introduction, advice is helpfully broken down by topic…Both Chekhov’s correspondence and his excerpts prove interesting and illustrative…Including a ‘who’s who’ of Chekhov’s pen pals and suggestion for further reading, this is a useful and smart guide for writers of all kinds.”
Augusta Metro Spirit, 11/19/08 “A masterpiece of writing advice…a perfect companion for writers at any stage of the craft.”
The Writer, 2/09 “What’s new and particularly noteworthy in this volume is a focus on lessons to be learned from a close reading of The Island of Sakhalin.” Synopsis:“Conciseness is the sister of talent”-and other essential, illuminating observations and advice from Anton Chekhov, one of the most deeply revered writers of all time Synopsis:Maxim Gorky said that no one understood “the tragedy of life’s trivialities” as clearly as Anton Chekhov, widely considered the father of the modern short story and the modern play. Chekhov’s singular ability to speak volumes with a single, impeccably chosen word, mesh comedy and pathos, and capture life’s basic sadness as he entertains us, are why so many aspire to emulate him. How to Write Like Chekhov meticulously cherry-picks from Chekhov’s plays, stories, and letters to his publisher, brother, and friends, offering suggestions and observations on subjects including plot and characters (and their names), descriptions and dialogue, and what to emphasize and avoid. This is a uniquely clear roadmap to Chekhov’s intelligence and artistic expertise and an essential addition to the writing-guide shelf. Synopsis:Maxim Gorky said that no one understood “the tragedy of life’s trivialities” as clearly as Anton Chekhov, widely considered the father of the modern short story and the modern play. Chekhov’s singular ability to speak volumes with a single, impeccably chosen word, mesh comedy and pathos, and capture life’s basic sadness as he entertains us, are why so many aspire to emulate him. How to Write Like Chekhov meticulously cherry-picks from Chekhov’s plays, stories, and letters to his publisher, brother, and friends, offering suggestions and observations on subjects including plot and characters (and their names), descriptions and dialogue, and what to emphasize and avoid. This is a uniquely clear roadmap to Chekhov’s intelligence and artistic expertise and an essential addition to the writing-guide shelf. About the AuthorPiero Brunello is a professor at the University of Venice. Lena Lencek is a professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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