Anton Chekhov's Selected Plays (Norton Critical Editions)

The Norton Critical Edition of Anton Chekhov's Selected Plays offers a comprehensive and academically robust collection for both scholars and enthusiasts of Chekhov's work. This edition features five of Chekhov's major plays—*Ivanov, The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters,* and *The Cherry Orchard*—alongside three short comic sketches, while also providing a wealth of supplementary material curated by editor and translator Laurence Senelick. The plays themselves are accompanied by extensive annotations; although some readers have found the footnotes excessive and somewhat distracting, they serve to enrich the reader’s understanding. The edition also includes passages that had been censored or were subsequently omitted, providing invaluable context about Chekhov's artistic vision. Additionally, the inclusion of Chekhov's personal letters sheds light on his creative process and perceptions of his works, although readers note that the contributors to the critical essays are not particularly well-known in English-speaking circles, which could limit their appeal. There are varied opinions regarding the translation quality, with some praising Senelick's work for its adherence to Chekhov's tone and the depth of his notes, while others express strong dissatisfaction, deeming the translation inauthentic and unpoetic. This duality in reception reflects a broader conversation about the balance between fidelity in translation and the preservation of artistic nuance. In summary, while the Norton Critical Edition is lauded for its thoroughness and expansive context, the reception of Senelick’s translation has been polarizing, contributing to a mixed customer experience. **