In these tales Gogol guides us through the elegant streets of St Petersburg, said to be “built on bones” as so many perished in its construction. Something of the deception and fury of the city’s creation seems to lurk beneath its harmonious façade, however, and it confounds its inhabitants with false dreams and absurd visions—“Oh, have no faith in this Nevsky Prospect,” warns Gogol, “nothing is what it seems!”

St Petersburg is also the setting For Marriage, Gogol’s satire on courtship and cowardice. Finally, for The Government Inspector, indisputably Russia’s greatest comedy, we move to the provinces, although even here St Petersburg’s preoccupation with status and appearances makes itself felt.

Contents:

• Introduction
• Notes on the Text and Transliteration
• Select Bibliography
• A Chronology of Gogol
• Maps of St Petersburg
• Table of Ranks
  Petersburg Tales
  
• Nevsky Prospect
• The Nose
• The Portrait
• The Overcoat
• The Carriage
• Diary of a Madman
  Plays
  
• Marriage
• The Government Inspector
• Explanatory Notes