'Избранные Разсказы / Selected Stories' Summary

This collection comprises four works by Evgeny Chirikov, a Russian writer who gained popularity before the 1917 revolution. Chirikov's writing often centered around ideas of democratic reform in Russia. However, his disillusionment with the Bolshevik coup led him to emigrate, resulting in a ban on his name in the Soviet Union and his subsequent obscurity until the 21st century. The novella, "The Duel," delves into the complexities of honor and duty within the military. The short stories, "The Betrothed," "The Nihilist," and "The Voice of Conscience," explore themes of love, idealism, and the struggle for justice in a rapidly changing society. Through these works, Chirikov provides a poignant glimpse into the social and political landscape of pre-revolutionary Russia.