The Stories of Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov invented the modern short story form: slice-of-life narratives without conventional plots, centred on moments of realisation or missed connection, in which nothing dramatic happens but everything essential is revealed. Ward No. 6, The Lady with the Dog, The Bishop, and Uncle Vanya established the template for every literary short story written in the 20th century. Raymond Carver, Alice Munro, and Mavis Gallant all descend directly from Chekhov.