The Novels of Ivan Turgenev: A desperate character, and other stories

This volume is part of the definitive English-language collection of Ivan Turgenev's works, published by Macmillan and Company in the late 19th century. The series was translated by Constance Garnett, whose efforts were instrumental in introducing Russian literature to the English-speaking world. Published during a time of burgeoning intellectual interest in Russian realism, the edition aimed to provide a comprehensive, scholarly presentation of Turgenev’s narratives, stories, and sketches for a Western audience.

The physical design of the series reflects the Victorian era's emphasis on tasteful, durable book production. Constance Garnett’s translations were praised for their fluidity and accessibility, effectively capturing the melancholy and social nuance inherent in Turgenev’s writing. While Turgenev was already a revered figure in Europe, this specific collection consolidated his reputation among British and American readers, serving as the standard text for his bibliography for several decades.