"Gorshkov's introduction provides some basic knowledge about Russian serfdom and draws upon the most recent scholarship. Notes provide references and general information about events, places and people mentioned in the memoirs."--Jacket.

Generally thought to be the work that led to the abolishment of serfdom in Russia, "Sketches from a Hunter's Album (A Sportsman's Sketches)" is a series of short stories, written in 1852, that gained Turgenev widespread recognition for his unique writing style. These stories were the result of Turgenev's observations while hunting all over Russia, particularly on his abusive mother's estate at Spasskoye. A definitive work of the Russian Realist tradition, this collection of sketches unveils the author's insights on the lives of everyday Russians, from landowners and their peasants, to bailiffs and mournful doctors, to unhappy wives and mothers. Turgenev captures their tragedies and triumphs, losses and love in a set of stories that condemned the behavior of the ruling class. Considered subversive writing, Turgenev was confined to his mother's estate, yet his "Sketches" opened the eyes of many people of his time, proving him not only an artist but also a social reformer whose abilities ultimately affected the lives of countless Russians.

Although millions of Russians lived as serfs until the middle of the nineteenth century, little is known about their lives. Identifying and documenting the conditions of Russian serfs has proven difficult because the Russian state discouraged literacy among the serfs and censored public expressions of dissent. To date scholars have identified only twenty known Russian serf narratives. Four Russian Serf Narratives contains four of these accounts and is the first translated collection of autobiographies by serfs. Scholar and translator John MacKay brings to light for an English-language audience a diverse sampling of Russian serf narratives, ranging from an autobiographical poem to stories of adventure and escape. “Autobiography” (1785) recounts a highly educated serf’s attempt to escape to Europe, where he hoped to study architecture. The long testimonial poem “News About Russia” (ca. 1849) laments the conditions under which the author and his fellow serfs lived. In “The Story of My Life and Wanderings” (1881) a serf tradesman tells of his attempt to simultaneously escape serfdom and captivity from Chechen mountaineers. The fragmentary “Notes of a Serf Woman” (1911) testifies to the harshness of peasant life with extraordinary acuity and descriptive power. These accounts offer readers a glimpse, from the point of view of the serfs themselves, into the realities of one of the largest systems of unfree labor in history. The volume also allows comparison with slave narratives produced in the United States and elsewhere, adding an important dimension to knowledge of the institution of slavery and the experience of enslavement in modern times.

The 'HALLOWEEN Boxed Set' presents an unparalleled aggregation of stories that span across centuries, cultures, and continents, weaving together the talents of an illustrious cadre of authors. This anthology exemplifies the rich tapestry of Gothic, supernatural, and horror literature, showcasing a variety of literary styles from the macabre to the spectral. It navigates the delicate boundary between the known and the unknown, fear and fascination, bringing to the forefront standout pieces that have profoundly influenced or deviated from established conventions of the horror genre. Each work has been carefully selected to complement the collections overarching themes of dread, the uncanny, and the supernatural, promising a comprehensive exploration of the genres evolution and thematic diversity. The contributing authors and editors, from Wilhelm Hauff to H. P. Lovecraft, represent a pantheon of literary giants whose works have collectively shaped the contours of horror and speculative fiction. These authors, many of whom were pivotal figures in various literary movements such as Romanticism, Realism, and the supernatural fiction revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bring a rich background of cultural, historical, and literary knowledge that breathes life into the anthologys overarching themes. Their collective narratives offer insights into the societal anxieties, cultural fears, and individual phobias of their times, thus creating a dialogic and multifaceted portrait of the human condition as filtered through the lens of horror and suspense. 'Dive into the HALLOWEEN Boxed Set' for an enriching journey through the shadowy corridors of human imagination and fear. This anthology provides a unique opportunity to engage with the collective wisdom of writers who have masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with timeless themes of fear, mystery, and the supernatural. It is an essential volume for readers seeking to understand the complexities of horror literature and its capacity to probe the depths of human experience. Through its educational value and breadth of insights, this collection not only entertains but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricate dialogue between different authors' works and the cultural contexts from which they emerge.