Mirgorod
Nikolai Gogol, Николай Васильевич Гоголь · 1929 · 285 pages
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About this book
Mirgorod (or Myrhorod), published in 1835, is a significant collection of four novellas by Nikolai Gogol, intentionally presented as a continuation of his earlier success, Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka, due to its focus on Ukrainian settings and themes. The title itself, Mirgorod in Russian, translates to "city of peace," a name that offers a potential irony when juxtaposed with the often turbulent narratives within the collection. In English, "Myrhorod" is typically rendered as "Mirgorod," though occasionally you'll also see it as "Myrgorod" or other versions" The collection takes its name from the actual Ukrainian town where some of the stories are set. Translators generally maintain the transliteration "Mirgorod" rather than attempting to find an English equivalent for the place name. Unlike Evenings, Myrhorod does not feature a single unifying narrator, allowing for a wider range of tones and perspectives across the four distinct stories. The collection is divided into two parts: the first containing "Old World Landowners" and the historical epic "Taras Bulba," and the second featuring the dark fantasy of "Viy" and the humorous satire of "The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich". This collection marks a crucial point in Gogol's literary evolution, showcasing a more nuanced and sometimes pessimistic view of life compared to his earlier works. While still drawing upon Ukrainian folklore and settings, Myrhorod demonstrates a sophisticated blend of r
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Nikolai Gogol Reading Order: Where to Start
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