Author
Maksim Gorky
1868-1936
Maksim Gorky (1868-1936) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Maksim Gorky
Three Men: A Novel
"Three Men: A Novel" by Maksim Gorky is a work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of three men—Antipa, his son Jakov, and his brother Terenti—unfolding against a backdrop of rural Russian life, emphasizing themes of solitude, existential struggle, and the quest for understanding amidst the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations. The opening introduces Antipa Lunev as a pious hermit whose past burdens lead him to a life of prayer and isolation, setting the stage for an exploration of his legacy and the conflicting paths chosen by his sons. The beginning of the novel paints a vivid picture of Antipa's life, reflecting on his transformation from a worldly peasant to a hermit haunted by a profound sense of repentance. Following his death, the narrative shifts to his sons—Jakov, a rebellious and reckless figure, and Terenti, his timid, hunchbacked brother. The story hints at the challenges they face as they navigate their father's legacy and the struggles of rural life. Jakov's antagonistic relationship with society contrasts with Terenti's quiet endurance, revealing a tension between individual desires and familial responsibilities. As they deal with their father's stark choices and their consequences, the boys’ experiences encapsulate the harsh realities of life, underscored by Gorky's poignant observations on faith, morality, and human resilience.
The Lower Depths: A Drama in Four Acts
"The Lower Depths: A Drama in Four Acts" by Maksim Gorky is a play written in 1902. Set in a squalid homeless shelter near the Volga, it portrays impoverished Russians clinging to illusions amid brutal reality. When a wandering pilgrim arrives offering hope and comforting lies, tensions escalate among the residents—including a young thief, a dying woman, and a jealous landlady. Their desperation erupts into violence, forcing each character to confront the harsh truths they've desperately avoided.
Mother
"Mother" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in 1906 about revolutionary factory workers. It follows Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova, a woman enduring brutal poverty and manual labor in a Russian factory. When her son Pavel becomes involved in revolutionary activities, the illiterate mother gradually transforms from fearful bystander to active participant in the movement. Based on real events from a 1902 May Day demonstration, the novel blends political awakening with biblical imagery, portraying revolutionaries as martyrs fighting against exploitation by authorities and the wealthy.
In the World
"In the World" by Maksim Gorky is an autobiographical work published in 1916. It is the second volume of Gorky's three-part autobiography, following his impoverished youth into adolescence. Gorky presents a vivid gallery of characters he encountered, painting a realist portrait of Russian life with striking visual detail. Rather than focusing on himself, he captures the world around him—ugly yet not without hope, redeemed by moments of enlightenment, beauty, and human sympathy in harsh circumstances.
Through Russia
"Through Russia" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of narratives written during the late 19th century that spans across various themes of human experience and social reality in Russia. The work provides insights into the lives and struggles of ordinary people against the backdrop of immense natural beauty and hardship, with a focus on the plight of the impoverished. The narratives unfold through vivid character portrayals, including a young woman in labor, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. The opening of "Through Russia" elaborates on the rich landscape where the story begins, painting a picture of autumn in the Caucasus as the narrator reflects on life, beauty, and human struggle. He encounters a group of displaced "famine people" and is drawn into the suffering of a pregnant woman amidst the wilderness. As he aids her through childbirth along the river, the scene captures the rawness and transformative nature of human experiences. This early segment sets the tone for the collection, establishing themes of compassion and interconnectedness, while also hinting at the socio-economic challenges faced by the characters within a larger, often unforgiving societal framework.
Orlóff and His Wife: Tales of the Barefoot Brigade
"Orlóff and His Wife: Tales of the Barefoot Brigade" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The tales center around Grigóry Orlóff and his wife Matréna, exploring their tumultuous relationship, struggles with poverty, and the hardships of working-class life in a Russian city." "The beginning of this tale draws readers into the Orlóff's chaotic domestic life filled with verbal and physical altercations. At the outset, we witness a fierce argument between Grísha and Matréna, with neighbors peeking in to observe the drama unfolding in their cellar. The narrative paints a grim image of their life: a small, dank cellar where they work and live, punctuated by violence and despair. As Grísha grapples with his internal conflicts regarding his behavior and their situation, Matréna endures both his wrath and her own feelings of helplessness. Together, their story reflects the broader struggles of the working class, the cyclical nature of poverty, and the effects of alcohol and domestic turmoil on their lives."
A Mãe
"A Mãe" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in 1906 about revolutionary factory workers in Russia. The story follows Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova, a woman enduring harsh factory labor and poverty, whose son Pavel abandons his father's drinking habits to pursue revolutionary activities. Though initially cautious and politically unaware, Nilovna's maternal devotion leads her to overcome her ignorance and join the movement. Based on real events, the novel blends socialist ideals with biblical imagery, portraying revolutionaries as martyrs willing to sacrifice for truth and justice.
Reminiscences of Anton Chekhov
"Reminiscences of Anton Chekhov" by Maxim Gorky, Alexander Kuprin, and I.A. Bunin is a collection of personal reflections and anecdotes about the celebrated Russian writer Anton Chekhov, written in the early 20th century. This work serves to shed light on Chekhov's character, literary philosophy, and the impact he had on those around him, particularly the writers and intellectuals of his time. The recollections encompass both fond memories and insightful observations, celebrating Chekhov's unique approach to life and literature. At the start of the memoirs, Maxim Gorky offers a vivid portrayal of a visit he made to Chekhov's estate, where the latter shared his thoughts on the role of teachers in Russian society and the pressing need for educational reform. Chekhov’s genuine compassion for those in the teaching profession is evident as he reflects on their struggles and dignity. The opening chapter sets the tone for a deeper exploration of Chekhov's kind-heartedness, intelligence, and his ability to draw out simplicity and truth from those around him. The sincere interactions he has with his guests suggest a man deeply engaged with the lives of others, as well as a discerning observer of both the absurdities and the beauty of human existence.
The Man Who Was Afraid
"The Man Who Was Afraid" by Maksim Gorky is a novel published in 1899. It follows Foma Gordeyev, an energetic man from Russia's merchant class who craves freedom and space to realize his potential. But life feels suffocating, restricting his power at every turn. He discovers there's no place for heroes in this world of commerce—only small conventions that crush grand ambitions. His passionate protest against life's fever drives this sweeping portrait of contemporary Russian society.
Tales from Gorky
"Tales from Gorky" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book explores the harsh realities of life for the impoverished in Russia, particularly focusing on characters who are social outcasts and vagabonds. Gorky utilizes his own experiences as inspiration, embodying the struggles and resilience of those living on the fringes of society. The opening of "Tales from Gorky" introduces readers to a group of three hungry vagrants making their way through the desolate steppe. They are characterized by their common plight of starvation and their shared bonds of misfortune. Among them is a soldier and a self-described student, who engage in a conversation about their woeful condition while facing the cruel realities of their journey. Their eventual encounter with a mysterious man adds a layer of tension, as hunger and desperation lead them to contemplate morally questionable decisions to survive. The prose vividly illustrates the struggles of the characters against a backdrop of bleak but beautiful Russian landscapes, setting the tone for the stories that follow.
The Confession: A Novel
"The Confession: A Novel" by Maksim Gorky is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. This novel introduces readers to Matvei, an orphaned child abandoned at birth, who navigates a life filled with hardship, loneliness, and the search for identity. It explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the quest for human dignity, highlighting the protagonist’s struggles against his circumstances and societal expectations. The opening of the novel presents Matvei's early years, detailing his abandonment and subsequent upbringing by a kind gardener named Danil and later, a gentle sexton named Larion. Through Larion, Matvei experiences warmth and tenderness, which contrast sharply with the harshness he faces from society as a foundling. This early section sets the groundwork for Matvei’s complex relationship with faith, morality, and the adult world, indicated by Larion's conversations about God and the nature of good and evil. As Matvei grows, he grapples with his identity and future, facing ridicule from peers and emotional turmoil stemming from his origins, making for a poignant exploration of a young man's journey through a tumultuous existence.
The Spy: The Story of a Superfluous Man
"The Spy: The Story of a Superfluous Man" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in 1907 and published in 1908. It follows Yevsey Klimkov, a weak and frightened orphan coerced into becoming a spy for the Tsarist police. Forced to inform on revolutionaries he secretly admires, Klimkov descends into the role of agent provocateur, entrapping innocent people while his conscience tears him apart. The novel examines the moral corruption of espionage under imperial rule.
Tales of Two Countries
"Tales of Two Countries" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of narratives written in the early 20th century. This volume presents a vivid tableau of human experiences, ranging from the struggles of workers to profound reflections on life, death, and the human condition across two culturally rich settings—Italy and Russia. The stories explore diverse themes, such as love, hardship, triumph, and the social issues affecting the common man, as told through the perspectives of various characters. The opening portion of "Tales of Two Countries" introduces readers to a series of characters and situations that intricately weave together personal narratives and broader social commentaries. In the segment labeled "Man and the Simplon," a worker recounts the hardships faced while constructing a mountain tunnel, reflecting the physical and emotional toll of labor. Similarly, "An Unwritten Sonata" presents a poignant moment between a young musician and a child, encapsulating a mutual longing for beauty amid a backdrop of despair. The initial passages set the stage for the collection by illustrating the protagonists' connections to their environments and the struggles they embody, compelling readers to engage with the rich emotional landscapes Gorky creates.
Creatures That Once Were Men
"Creatures That Once Were Men" by Maksim Gorky is a work of fiction written during the early 20th century. This story delves into the lives of the downtrodden and marginalized individuals living in a dilapidated dosshouse, as seen through the eyes of Captain Aristid Kuvalda and his companions, who embody the struggles and despair of the lower classes. Gorky’s narrative explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the harsh realities of life in a way that is both poignant and brutally honest. The opening of the story paints a bleak yet vivid picture of the surroundings, highlighting the squalid conditions of a poor neighborhood and the weary inhabitants of the dosshouse. Gorky introduces us to a range of characters, including the retired Captain Kuvalda, who oversees the dosshouse, and a variety of lodgers, each with their tragic backstories and dreams long abandoned. Through their interactions, the reader gains insight into their coping mechanisms and the camaraderie that forms among those left at the bottom of society. The gruesome reality they face is marked by dark humor and stark cynicism, encapsulating the essence of existence as “creatures that once were men.”
The Outcasts, and Other Stories
"The Outcasts, and Other Stories" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The book explores the lives of society's outcasts, focusing particularly on the character Aristide Kouvalda, a retired cavalry officer who runs a doss-house for the downtrodden in a squalid suburb. Through Kouvalda and his lodgers, the narrative delves into themes of poverty, camaraderie, and the struggles against a harsh social environment. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the setting of the High Street, a grim place characterized by dilapidated hovels and a permeating sense of despair among its inhabitants. We meet Aristide Kouvalda, the doss-house keeper, who exhibits a blend of cynicism and humor while interacting with a cast of unique, troubled characters, each with their own backstory of hardship and vice. Their daily lives are marked by a struggle for survival, addiction to alcohol, and fleeting moments of connection, illustrating the challenges faced by those on the periphery of society. Through vivid descriptions and dialogues, Gorky offers a poignant critique of social injustices while also highlighting the humanity of his outcast characters amidst their grim circumstances.
The Orloff Couple, and Malva
"The Orloff Couple and Malva" by Maxim Gorky is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story delves into the tumultuous lives of Grischka Orloff, a cobbler, and his wife, Matrona, showcasing the harsh realities of their existence in a dilapidated urban setting. The novel intricately explores themes of domestic violence, existential despair, and the struggle for meaning amidst the tedium of their everyday lives. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the chaotic life of the Orloff couple, marked by Grischka's abusive tendencies and Matrona's submissive yet hopeful demeanor. Their interactions are filled with cycles of conflict and reconciliation as they grapple with poverty and dissatisfaction. Gorky portrays Grischka’s internal conflict about his violent behavior, alongside Matrona’s desire for a better life, effectively setting the stage for a narrative that critiques societal conditions and examines the complexity of human relationships within the oppressive constraints of their environment. This opening captures the essence of their lives, foreshadowing both personal and societal struggles to come.
Reminiscences of Leo Nicolayevitch Tolstoi
"Reminiscences of Leo Nicolayevitch Tolstoi" by Maksim Gorky is a biographical account reflecting on the life and thoughts of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoi, likely written in the early 20th century. This work combines personal observations and reflections from Gorky, who spent time with Tolstoi in the Crimea and Yassnaya Polyana, allowing readers an intimate glimpse into the profound musings and complex character of Tolstoi during the final years of his life. In this book, Gorky presents a series of notes that capture various aspects of Tolstoi's philosophy, spirit, and the dichotomy of his existence as both a revered author and a conflicted human being. Through anecdotes and dialogues, Gorky reveals Tolstoi's grappling with existential questions such as the nature of humanity, spirituality, and the pursuit of truth. The book also explores themes of love, suffering, and the connection between individual existence and the collective human experience. Gorky's admiration and critique of Tolstoi create a nuanced narrative, illustrating not only the brilliance of Tolstoi's literary genius but also the underlying struggles and contradictions that shaped his life and works.
Twenty-six and One, and Other Stories
"Twenty-six and One, and Other Stories" by Maksim Gorky is a collection published in 1899. The title story follows twenty-six men toiling in a cellar bakery, scorned by those around them. Their sole comfort is sixteen-year-old Tanya, who visits each morning. When a boastful soldier arrives and disrupts their fragile refuge, their devotion is tested. This cruelly realistic yet poetic tale explores beauty, disillusionment, and human dignity among society's downtrodden, earning recognition as one of Gorky's finest early works.
Kertomuksia II
"Kertomuksia II" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This literary work captures the struggles and experiences of characters often on the margins of society, exploring themes of poverty, human connection, and the pursuit of hope amidst despair. Gorky's ability to create vivid portrayals of these characters establishes a deep connection between the reader and the often harsh realities they face. The opening of the collection introduces us to three weary travelers who have set off from Perekop, hungry and dispirited. As they journey through the desolate steppe, the group—consisting of a soldier, a university dropout, and a humble narrator—shares their mutual experiences of hunger and alienation while maintaining a sense of camaraderie amid their dire circumstances. The narrative evokes a poignant imagery of their march, filled with existential musings and raw human emotion, culminating in a tense encounter with a stranger that tests their morals and survival instincts. This opening sets the tone for a reflective examination of human nature, social structures, and the resilience required to endure the trials of life.
Äiti
"Äiti" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in 1906 about revolutionary factory workers in Russia. The story follows Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova, a woman enduring brutal poverty and manual labor, whose life transforms when her son Pavel becomes involved in revolutionary activities. Though initially illiterate and politically unaware, maternal love drives her to overcome ignorance and join the movement herself. Filled with Biblical imagery and themes of awakening, the novel portrays revolutionaries as saints willing to sacrifice for truth and justice in pre-revolutionary Russia.
Kertomuksia I
"Kertomuksia I" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the lives and struggles of marginalized characters, exploring themes of love, freedom, and the human condition. Through vivid storytelling and rich characterizations, Gorky illuminates the complexities of life among the dispossessed and disenfranchised. The opening of the collection introduces the story of Makár Tshudrá, an old Romani man, who reflects on life by a campfire. As he engages in conversation, he shares profound insights about freedom, existence, and the futility of human endeavors. The scene is set against a backdrop of harsh natural elements, symbolizing the struggles of the characters. Makár’s stories intertwine personal anecdotes with larger existential questions, leading to a captivating portrayal of relationships, especially a romantic one between a young Romani girl, Radda, and a young man, Loiko Zobár. Their complex interactions foreshadow deeper themes of love and sacrifice that echo throughout the collection.
Kolme ystävystä I
"Kolme ystävystä I" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of three central characters, Antipa Lunjeff, and his two sons, Jaakko and Terenti, exploring themes of isolation, moral struggle, and the harsh realities of life in rural Russia. It delves into their experiences and the societal pressures they face following the death of their father, as they navigate their own paths through personal challenges and family dynamics. The opening of the novel presents a vivid and somber portrayal of Antipa Lunjeff, a reclusive peasant who retreats into the forest for eight years after a life of sin, seeking redemption. As Antipa dies, the narrative shifts to his two sons. Jaakko, the older brother, is a rebellious figure with a troubled relationship with alcohol and authority, while Terenti, the younger brother, is more introverted and burdened by his family's reputation. The poignant tone is set as the narrative explores their lives after the father’s death, touching on themes of despair and longing for a better life, contrasting their father’s isolation with their own struggles for identity and purpose in a difficult world.
Pohjalla: Kuvaelmia, neljä näytöstä
"Pohjalla: Kuvaelmia, neljä näytöstä" by Maksim Gorky is a play written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of a dilapidated lodging house, the script introduces a cast of characters who navigate their harsh lives, filled with struggle, longing, and bitter humor. The central figure, Michàil Ivànov Kostiljév, along with other tenants, provides a glimpse into the gritty realities of the working class. The opening of the play presents an evocative scene within the dimly-lit lodging house, where various characters engage in a mix of tumultuous interactions and mundane activities. Dialogue flows between characters like Vasilisa and Bubnov as they grapple with personal struggles and societal issues, revealing their complex relationships and the overarching themes of poverty and despair. Conversations oscillate between bickering and camaraderie, painting a vivid portrayal of life at the bottom rung of society, with characters often resorting to humor as a coping mechanism for their dire circumstances.
Varjenka
"Varjenka" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Ippolit Sergejevitsh Palkanov receiving an urgent telegram from his sister Jelisaveta, informing him of her husband's death and requesting his assistance on their estate. As Ippolit journeys back to the countryside, he is filled with a mix of trepidation and obligation, reflecting on his sister's troubled marriage and the emotional complexities of family ties. The opening of the novel introduces us to Ippolit as he arrives at his sister's home, where he finds her surprisingly composed despite her recent loss. Their interaction reveals the strain of their long-distance relationship and sets the stage for deeper discussions about life, personal despair, and societal roles. In this early encounter, Varjenka, a lively and attractive girl, makes her entrance, bringing a fresh dynamic to the narrative. As their conversations unfold during idyllic summer days, themes of love, duty, and personal freedom begin to emerge against the backdrop of the Russian countryside. This sets up a story that promises to explore not only personal relationships but also broader social issues, making the lives of the characters deeply resonant with the reader.