Nikolaj Vasil'evič Gogol'

The Profile

Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol (1809–1852) was a Russian-language novelist, short story writer and dramatist of the 19th century, author of celebrated works such as The Overcoat and Dead Souls.

The Petersburg Tales (Racconti di Pietroburgo) are a collection associated with Gogol; parts of the material appeared in Arabesques and some Petersburg tales were published posthumously. Gogol is widely noted for his imaginative, often grotesque satirical style.

A lyrical, admiring review that celebrates Gogol's imagination and the living presence of St. Petersburg in his pages. The reviewer links Gogol with 'magical realism' while evoking characters such as Akakij Akakijevic. The review recommends dipping into the Petersburg tales for an immediate, vivid experience.