If Only We Could Know!: An Interpretation of Chekhov - Tapa dura

Unquestionably one of the two major studies of Chekhov by Russian critics during the twentieth century.--Karl D. Kramer Kataev's book should open a new and most welcome chapter in Chekhov criticism. It offers the reader fresh insights into Chekhov and enhances our understanding of him.--Simon Karlinsky Kataev's analysis of Chekhov's prose is absolutely seminal.--Cathy Popkin Kataev is by far the most urbane scholar of Chekhov in Russia...especially readable in the seamless English version.--Donald Rayfield Both a valuable scholarly resource and a challenging new approach to a familiar subject.--Mel Gussow "The New York Times " A fine scholar and an extraordinary personality and critic...an extraordinary study...a real treat.--Irwin Weil, Northwestern University Kataev's work...has been of fundamental importance in understanding Chekhov's fiction and drama...should mark the beginning of a new level of understanding.--Andrew R. Durkin, Indiana University

Mr. Kataev examines Chekhov's major tales, stories, and plays, pointing out patterns of development in Chekhov's approach to characters and themes, and tracing the roots of Chekhov's ideas as expressed through his plots. He quietly undermines many conventional (and persistent) approaches to Chekhov, Western as well as Russion, and establishes a radically new position of his own. Offers the reader fresh insights...enhances our understanding...The book should open a new and most welcome chapter in Chekhov criticism.-Simon Karlinsky. Unquestionably one of the two major studies of Chekhov by Russian critics during the twentieth century.-Karl D. Kramer.