Old World Landowners

Nikolai Gogol

Newcomb Livraria Press

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This is a new translation from the original Russian manuscript of Gogol's classic "Old World Landowners". This edition contains an Afterword by the Translator, a timeline of Gogol's life and works and an Index of Gogol's individual works. A touching portrayal of an elderly couple's routine and love, highlighting the inevitable passage of time. "Old World Landowners" is a tale from the "Mirgorod" series penned by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol in 1835. The narrative introduces us to Afanasy Ivanovich, a not-so-tall man who habitually dons a sheepskin coat and almost perpetually wears a smile. In contrast, Pulcheria Ivanovna seldom laughs, but her visage radiates such genuine kindness and generosity that a smile might seem too sweet for her already tender expression. The couple resides in a secluded old-world village of Little Russia, living a life of such serenity that any visitor to their quaint manor, nestled amid lush gardens, would feel the world's troubles melting away. Their home brims with items of yesteryears, melodious doors, and storerooms stocked under Pulcheria Ivanovna's meticulous supervision. Although occasionally pilfered by their own staff, the bounties of their fertile land are so ample that the elderly couple remains blissfully unaware of the minor thefts. The duo, childless, share an immense love for each other, a love so profound that it's heartwarming to witness their tender interactions. They hold a penchant for indulging, both in food and in pampering each other. Thanks to the peculiar qualities of the Little Russian air that aids digestion, their hospitality wouldn’t burden a guest. From dawn to dusk, Pulcheria Ivanovna is ever attentive to her husband's desires, gently suggesting various dishes. However, their idyllic life takes a turn with the onset of a tragic incident.

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A Russian dramatist, novelist, and short story writer, Gogol was a personal friedn of Dostoevsky, Turgenev and Tolstoy. He is considered the father of modern Russian realism. His works, including "Dead Souls" and "The Overcoat," are renowned for their satirical depiction of Russian society and bureaucracy. Gogol's blend of realism, grotesque, and absurdism had a profound influence on Russian and world literature.