Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

Anton Chekhov turns 150 on January 17, and his work has more than stood the test of time. His stories and plays continue to have a huge influence on literature and theater throughout the world.

Chekhov’s first known story was published in the journal Strekoza (Dragonfly) in March of 1880. It was signed simply “…v.” [….въ]. It could well be, however, that something was published before this date. When, in 1899, Chekhov began collecting all of the pieces he had published to that point, he admitted not being able to find “every creation scattered throughout the world.” He received a fee of five kopeks per line for his first story. According to Alexander Amfiteatrov, Chekhov once said: “My ideal fee would be to receive 15 kop. per line and earn 300 rub. per month.”