Rosamund Bartlett is steeped in Chekhov's writings, having worked as a translator, and in the culture and history of 19th-century Russia. She has written not simply another biography of Chekhov but brought new understanding to the writings and character of Chekhov set amidst the landscape of Russia. This is a book of enormous detail about the places Chekhov visited and lived in, which is vital for a good understanding of the character of this unusual and complex man. Examining these locations also informs and widens interpretation of the short stories. The author examines with careful precision Chekhov's genius, and shows that he is not simply the gloomy writer of popular myth but one with profound humanity and humour.