64 minutes of translated short stories of Russian writer, playwrite, and physician Anton Chekhov. Living from 1860 - 1904, Chekhov was considered one of the greatest short story writers in the history of world literature. Russian-born, British actor, writer, and producer, Max Bollinger, narrates these stories for you in his 2009 release. I am pleased to report that there is no bad language, excessive violence or explicit sexual material. The 6 stories are:

1. A Tragic Actor - Marsha, daughter of a police captain, thoroughly enjoyed the company of actors and begs her father to invite them to dinner. Marsha becomes mesmerized with the actors, especially one of them. (9:27)

2. In a Strange Land - A French tutor has an indefinite job with a Russian. The Russian is insulting to the Frenchman, who is quick to point out the shortcomings of the French, to the point where the Frenchman becomes insulted and prepares to leave. (10:20)

3. Oh! The Public - An invalid passenger on a train is unwilling to produce his ticket. (9:05)

4. The Looking Glass - Nellie, daughter of a landowner, sits looking in the mirror and dreaming of being married when she meets the object of her dreams. When her husband becomes ill, she demands the local doctor drop everything and come right away. (10:44)

5. Her Husband - Natalia, an opera singer, lies in bed thinking of her little girl, when her husband comes in and disrupts her peace. (14:11)

6. Overdoing It - A land surveyor is looking for transportation to travel to an estate that he is to survey. (10:40)

Max Bollinger, affluent in both Russian and English, does an excellent job in his narration of these wonderfully quaint stories, changing voices to display the multi-levels of characterization with much emotion. Narrated stories are especially enjoyable to listen to when driving in the car. I am looking forward to Volume II.

An added feature, the inside cover of the CD case (left side) features a print of part of Chekhov's hand written essay "Kyrgizi" from school in Taganrog in 1876. The right side of the inside case, is writing from one of Chekhov's notebooks from his play "Cherry Orchard".