The diversity of the stories in this collection great, their psychological depth and philosophical richness even greater. Chekhov composed most of the stories in the 1890s, although 'The Fiancée' represents a turning point in Chekhov's career, with the high note of optimism and with its heroine, Nadya, 'appositive woman of action', who ultimately rejects philistine materialism for life of hard work and self-denial. The fluency and intelligence of Ronald Wilk's English prose provide an ideal vehicle for the range of Chekhov 's stories. Whether he is dealing with themes of greed and exploitation in ' a suburban Moscovite Hamlet' or treating us to a fast-moving story of murder and adultery, Chekhov invariably brings to the short story a sharp, humorous focus on human moods, manners and emotions.