The Complete Tales of Nikolai Gogol (Volume 1)

Rating:
Summary: A little disappointing
Review: One of the first things I read by Gogol was "Dead Souls" - and I was enchanted. These stories pale by comparison. (The translation may have something to do with that). Vol.II is better than Vol.I: it contains the true classics, like the "Overcoat". Still, I would recommend reading "Dead Souls" if you want to get a vivid impression of Gogol's genius.

Rating:
Summary: not the greatest dead russian
Review: the language of the stories is a little stilted, but it is tough to tell if that is gogol's fault or that of his translator (it is definitely time for a new translation). the stories range in all types and quality, though gogol is at his best when leaning towards the fantastique (kafkaesque comes mind). there are some good stories in the collection: diary of a madman (the only story that is genious), the portrait (gogol ruins what would have been his greatest story with a poorly written, unneccesary second half), the nose, the overcoat, and taras bulba (though a bit wordy and does carry on a little too long). vol 2 is by superior volume (if the editor's introduction and diary of a madman had been in it, there would be no point to volume one).

Rating:
Summary: Volume 1 is the lesser of two volumes
Review: This publisher has collected in two volumes all of Gogol's short stories. Volume 1 contains Gogol's early work, including his first two books of stories. Several of the stories are good, but there are only two real gems here: "Ivan Schponka and His Aunt" and "Diary of a Madman." Volume 2 contains the real classics: "The Nose", "The Overcoat", etc.