Plays 1: The Lower Depths / Summerfolk / Children of the Sun / Barbarians / Enemies

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Modern accurate and stageable translations of five of Gorky's plays



This volume includes Gorky's major works for the theatre. The Lower Depths, first staged by the Moscow Art theatre in 1902, portrays a cast of down and outs living in the underbelly of Russian society; Summerfolk depicts a society after the disintegration of feudalism with a new class of businessmen, intellectuals and professionals. Children of the Sun was completed in prison in 1905 and premiered in St Petersburg in the same year, St Petersburg critic Alexander Kugel wrote: "If Summerfolk boxed the ears of the intelligentsia, the Children of the Sun spits in their face"; Barbarians looks at the tragedy of an individual caught between opposing forces in a society on the brink of revolution - Lenin's future Minister of Culture, Alexander Kugel wrote: "Gorky helps us to understand and assess the mighty phenomenon of this war between two forms of barbarism through the direct experience of real people"; Enemies looks at the struggle between workers and industrialists and has been described as "the missing link between Chekhov and the Russian revolution" (Observer)

560 pages, Paperback

First published July 1,1988

About the author

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Russian writer Aleksei Maksimovich Peshkov (Russian: Алексей Максимович Пешков) supported the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 and helped to develop socialist realism as the officially accepted literary aesthetic; his works include The Life of Klim Samgin (1927-1936), an unfinished cycle of novels.

This Soviet author founded the socialist realism literary method and a political activist. People also nominated him five times for the Nobel Prize in literature. From 1906 to 1913 and from 1921 to 1929, he lived abroad, mostly in Capri, Italy; after his return to the Soviet Union, he accepted the cultural policies of the time.

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2 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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A great book from a great author is like a precious gem that shines brightly in the literary world. It has the power to transport readers to different times, places, and experiences. The words on the pages seem to come alive, painting vivid pictures in the minds of those who dare to open it.


The great author pours their heart and soul into creating a masterpiece, carefully crafting each sentence, developing complex characters, and constructing a captivating plot. Their unique style and voice make the book stand out from the rest, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.


Whether it's a work of fiction that takes us on a thrilling adventure or a non-fiction piece that educates and inspires, a great book has the ability to touch our hearts, expand our minds, and change our perspectives. It becomes a part of us, a source of comfort, entertainment, and knowledge that we can return to again and again.

July 15,2025
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Gorky achieved a remarkable literary feat by pulling off a hat trick. Firstly, he was highly proficient in writing excellent plays. His plays were not only engaging but also delved deep into the human condition, exploring various themes and emotions.


Secondly, Gorky's novels were of great quality. They painted vivid pictures of the society he lived in, depicting the struggles and triumphs of the common people. His novels had a profound impact on the literary world and were widely read and admired.


In addition to plays and novels, Gorky was also a talented journalist. His journalism was characterized by its incisive analysis and fearless reporting. He was not afraid to speak the truth and expose the vices and injustices of society.


Oh, and let's not forget his great memoirs! His memoirs provided valuable insights into his own life and the times he lived in. They were a fascinating read and added another dimension to his already impressive literary oeuvre.

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