Shooting Party

Published in 1884 as Chekhov's only novel, this is a murder mystery framed as a provincial magistrate's manuscript. During a summer gathering at a count's estate, the forester's daughter Olga is courted by several men, including the narrator who later investigates. A shooting party in the woods ends with a killing; the inquiry that follows turns on jealousy, drink, and the unreliability of the man who writes the case down. Servants, guests, and local officials supply testimony that will not stay still. The book is a crime novel about who may be believed, not a collection of Chekhov's later short stories.

Bound in green cloth with green, gilt and black illustration on front board and gilt spine title. Dark green endpapers and slipcase.