It’s been a little while since we had any Russians on the Ramblings, isn’t it? ;D So today is the perfect day to take a look at a shiny new volume which has just been released in the rather wonderful Columbia University Press Russian Library imprint – “The Nose and Other Stories” by Nikolai Gogol, translated by Susanne Fusso.
Gogol is one of my favourite authors, and he’s made any number of appearances on the Ramblings – most recently when I reviewed a new version of his classic play “The Government Inspector” and a collection of essential stories from Pushkin Press. I’ve also revisited his magnum opus, “Dead Souls” and loved a beautiful little edition of one of his stories, “The Night Before Christmas“. You might think, therefore, that I would be all Gogoled out and a new collection would hold no appeal – but you would be very, very wrong! 😀
“The Nose…” is branded as “the first major English translation of his stories in more than twenty years”. Pushkin Press might argue with that, but I guess the word ‘major’ is the qualifier here, as the Pushkin volume had five stories, whereas the Russian Library goes for nine. The books have four stories in common – three of which are probably Gogol’s most famous – but the variances are interesting, and I’ll be posting in a couple of days about Gogol books and collections generally.
However, “The Nose…” contains a fascinating and fairly wide-randing selection of Gogol’s stories, and of most interest to me was the inclusion of works I hadn’t read before – and in one case, a story I’ve never seen translated! So I thought that it might be interesting if I looked at those here, as they really are a wonderful set! For info, the works included in the Russian Library volume are:
The Lost Letter
Viy
The Portrait (1835 version)
Nevsky Avenue
Diary of a Madman
The Carriage
The Nose
Rome (A Fragment)
The Carriage
Gogol’s works are often split into two categories: his Ukraine stories (more country and village settings) and his Petersburg works (later stories with that urban setting and plenty of alienation). This collection focuses mainly on the latter though some early works are included; and it’s the titles in bold that are my focus here.
The Philosophers’ voices were a whole octavo lower; there was nothing in their pockets except strong shag tobacco. They didn’t store anything up, but just devoured whatever came their way right on the spot; sometimes you could smell their pipes and vodka so far off that a tradesmen walking by would stop and sniff the air like a hunting hound for a good long while.
The Lost Letter was published in the 1831 collection “Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka” and is set in the Kiev area of Ukraine. Like many of Gogol’s early works, it contains elements of the supernatural and it’s narrated by an old sexton, Foma, who tells the tale of his grandfather’s encounters with devils on a journey to delivery an important letter to the empress. It’s a lively and dramatic story, funny and atmospheric at the same time, and somewhat sets the scene for what comes next…
Viy (from 1835) is another dark story, full of witches and devils, and it really makes quite spooky reading. A young student Philosopher Khoma Brut is tormented by a witch riding on his back; he eventually manages to throw off by chanting exorcisms, and he beats her with a stick. He thinks he is free of her, but is mysteriously summoned by a powerful Cossack; the latter’s daughter is dying and wishes Khoma to pray for her for three nights in a row. Despite his best efforts, Khoma is unable to get out of this and ends up spending three nights in a church with the woman’s corpse, calling on all the powers of good to protect him. What happens in the church is vividly and chillingly portrayed – Gogol really *could* write the forces of evil very effectively…
The Portrait is another work in a similar vein, and interestingly Fusso has chosen the 1835 version. She explains in her fascinating foreword that the later version in the 1842 edition of Gogol’s works was extensively revised by the author and he toned down many of the supernatural elements. However, the 1835 original presented here was a wonderful read; split into two sections, the first relates the story of a young artist Chertkov; a promising painter, just learning his trade, he stumbles across a portrait of a man at an auction house. The painting is compelling, but not in a good way; portraying a money lender, the eyes of the man seem to burn out of the canvas, alarming all who see it. Chertkov nevertheless buys it and it comes home with him (though not in a conventional manner…) It seems as though this portrait is possessed in some way, and it will have dramatic and catastrophic effects on Chertkov. The second section of the story reveals the history of the painting and how it came into being; and once again, the forces of evil are vividly and scarily portrayed. Each of these three tales really chill the blood…
His life was reaching the years when everything that breathes of impulse begins to shrink within a person, when the powerful violin bow reaches the soul more faintly and does not twine about the heart with piercing sounds, when contact with beauty no longer transforms virginal powers into fire and flame, but all the burned-out feelings become more open to the sound of gold, listen more attentively to its alluring music, and little by little, imperceptibly, allow it to put them completely to sleep.
Of course, larger than life, surreal and supernatural elements appear in Gogol’s later works; “The Nose” itself is a case in point, where that organ becomes detached from its owner and takes up an existence of its own. However, social satire and commentary also crept in, with “Diary of a Madman” being a particularly poignant study of the gradual mental deterioration of an impoverished clerk. “Nevsky Prospekt” (as I know it, though titled “Nevsky Avenue” in this collection) has more social commentary, too, as Gogol tackles the illusions abroad on the streets, as two men with very differing temperaments encounter women who may not be what the seem.
However, the last piece I want to consider is one which I’ve never seen translated before, and that’s Rome (A Fragment), published in 1842, the same year as “Dead Souls”. It’s a piece unlike anything else I’ve read by Gogol, I think, and I absolutely loved it. There’s minimal plot as such; the story opens with a carnival vision of a beautiful Roman woman, observed by a twenty-five year old Roman Prince, lately returned from several years in Paris. The tale goes on to relate the Prince’s past; his disillusion with the place of his birth; his initial love of, and the rejection of, Paris with its glittering modern lifestyle; and his return and reconciliation with Rome.
“Rome” is beautifully written, a really gorgeous love-letter to the city, and quite unlike anything else I’ve read by Gogol. Although he writes marvellous prose, his focus is often dramatic or satirical, but here it’s anything but. The contrast between the modern city of Paris (and the descriptions make it seem remarkably current) and the ancient city of Rome, with all its history, is very finely drawn and actually brings both settings alive quite vividly.
Rome, of course, was a place Gogol lived; from 1836 to 1848 he spent much time travelling Europe, including Paris, and eventually settling in Rome. He adored Italy and its culture, and it’s obvious from this piece that his soul felt attached to it; whether by something spiritual, aethetic or a combination of both, it’s quite clear his heart belonged to Rome and that comes out in the reactions of the Prince on his return to his city. Of course, Gogol was deeply religious and so Rome would also appeal to him on that level. But whatever elements drew him to Rome, the result was a most beautiful, vivid and evocative piece of writing. Whether it was actually a fragment, or intended to just stand as a tribute to the city I guess we’ll never know; but I am so glad to have read it!
So “The Nose…” is a really wonderful collection of Gogol’s writings, and essential for any lover of his work I would say. The fact it contains the early version of The Portrait as well as Rome really is a bonus, and the introduction and extensive supporting notes are an excellent resource too. The translation reads in a very Gogolian way to me (although I have to say I never find myself happy with the odd Americanism – ‘gotten’, for example – but then the book *is* an American one!) The Russian Library books I’ve read so far have been a really wonderful array of works from one of my favourite countries, and “The Nose and Other Stories” is a very welcome addition to the range! 😀
elisabethm
Sep 28, 2020 @ 07:24:28
This sounds like a lovely and varied selection of Gogol’s stories. He’s such a unique writer, and although I do have to be in the mood for him, I certainly do love him. And next time I’m in Rome I’ll definitely look up where he lived:-)
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 11:01:43
It’s a really good selection, I think – shows all his different aspects, with the bonus of something I’ve never seen translated!
elisabethm
Sep 28, 2020 @ 14:55:05
Nice! ‘Rome’ was included in the Dutch translation that I have 😊
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 14:57:09
Oh, that’s interesting! I’ve not come across it before – but I shall be rambling on about Gogol versions a little later this week!
elisabethm
Sep 28, 2020 @ 19:03:09
Ok, I look forward to that!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 19:58:30
😀
elisabethm
Sep 29, 2020 @ 07:06:56
Actually I just checked and I have two different Dutch translations of Rome 🙃
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2020 @ 09:20:46
Wow! The Dutch are ahead of the game! 😀
elisabethm
Sep 29, 2020 @ 12:46:55
One from 1962 and one from 2012, both from the same publisher
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2020 @ 16:11:01
Fascinating! 😀
Dark Puss
Sep 28, 2020 @ 08:02:50
Thank you for the interesting review. I like Gogol, though I have only read a few of his stories. I don’t tend to re-read so I expect I won’t be chasing down this collection. Gotten is of course a very English construction but fell out of use in the British English about 300 or so years ago. I think we used to use “Fall” for Autumn too 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 11:00:58
I like Gogol a lot too – and although I don’t often re-read nowadays I do make exceptions! As for gotten, I don’t know that I’ll ever be comfortable with it. Fall is ok, but I think autumn has a nicer ring! 😀
madamebibilophile
Sep 28, 2020 @ 08:17:16
This sounds wonderful Kaggsy! I must read more Gogol, I’ve so enjoyed what i have read. ‘Rome’ sounds a beautiful departure.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 10:59:53
He was a wonderful author – funny and spooky and entertaining – but this was a really interesting contrast to what I normally read by him.
louloureads
Sep 28, 2020 @ 09:04:04
This sounds wonderful – I’ve not read any Gogol but the story about Rome in particular appeals to me.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 10:58:45
It’s a real joy. I love Gogol’s writing anyway, but “Rome” showed a really interesting and different side to him!
Julé Cunningham
Sep 28, 2020 @ 13:54:07
There can never be too much Gogol 😉 This collection looks wonderful (in spite of those pesky Americanisms!) with the fragment about Rome and the combination of well-known and not-so-well-known stories. As far as I know I haven’t run across Susanne Fusso’s translations before, so I’m interested in her work too. (P.S.-according to the OED ‘gotten’ is English, but you stopped using it, we kept it. It also shows up in the King James Bible.)
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 14:47:13
Absolutely, there can’t – he’s wonderful. And I did enjoy the fact that there were new-to-me works which made it an extra treat. As for gotten – if I’m truly honest I’m glad we abandoned it! ;D
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Sep 28, 2020 @ 14:03:43
You’ve done it once again, dear Kaggsy! I now have yet another addition to my personal “Mount TBR” (resembles Mount Everest but is higher). I’ve never read any Gogol at all and, for some time, have intended to remedy this defect. This collection sounds like a very good place to start. I did laugh at your comment about the collection’s linguistic Americanisms. I find the differences (both words and phraseology) between American and British English quite interesting, as well as the frequent “translations” they require of readers (although it may make me un-American in these nationalistic days, I do agree with you that “autumn” has a much nicer ring than the more literal “fall”!)
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 14:45:57
LOL! My Mount TBR is much the same… Gogol is wonderful and this would be a great way to get to know his work as it covers pretty much every type of writing he did. As for the linguistics – I guess a lot of the time it comes down to individual taste, but I do find I prefer more traditional English. Having said that, if I read an American author, I would expect gotten and its ilk! 😀
Anokatony
Sep 28, 2020 @ 14:45:49
I went through a long Russian phase in the early 1990s before I started blogging which of course included ‘Dead Souls’, a collection of stories including ‘The Nose’, and the play ‘The Government Inspector’. Russian literature from about 1840 to 1915 is an embarrassment of riches.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 14:53:49
It is, isn’t it? Many of my favourite authors and books come from there!!
heavenali
Sep 28, 2020 @ 16:54:03
Ooh lovely, these stories sound perfect for chilly evenings snuggled under a blanket. I have only read Dead Souls by Gogol and that was a very long time ago.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2020 @ 17:24:34
They were – they turned out to be ideal autumn reading!
literarygitane
Sep 29, 2020 @ 01:40:34
Believe it or not, I haven’t read Gogol. And I love the Russian writers! This might be a good place to start. Thank you for the wonderful review!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2020 @ 09:33:35
Oh, he’s a joy – I feel there would be no Dostoevsky, Bulgakov etc without Gogol. And this would be a great introduction! 😀
Liz Dexter
Sep 29, 2020 @ 16:41:11
That sounds like a great collection, although spooky as anything and too much for me, I think!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2020 @ 17:21:38
It *is* a really good collection, but I suspect definitely not for you…. ;D
cirtnecce
Sep 29, 2020 @ 19:04:54
My father was a great fan of Gogol; but I just could not make a go of Dead Souls though I know it is masterpiece. This however sounds intriguing and may be a good place to try and reacquaint with the author again.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2020 @ 19:22:43
Just because a book is a masterpiece doesn’t mean we have to love it – I don’t get on with Hardy or Lawrence for a start! But the shorter works might be a better way to try Gogol, definitely!
cirtnecce
Sep 29, 2020 @ 19:28:11
I do not like Hardy or Lawrence either! You give me hope!!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2020 @ 19:30:43
Glad I’m not alone!!
Dark Puss
Sep 30, 2020 @ 16:28:32
Well said! 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 30, 2020 @ 18:19:08
Lol! 😀
RussophileReads
Sep 29, 2020 @ 21:44:04
Was it perhaps the translation you disliked, as opposed to the book itself? I do find that when it comes to satirical/humorous works of literature, the translation can make or break the text even more the usual. I found “Dead Souls” laugh-out-loud funny, but I think it takes a certain kind of translator to pull it off in English.
(Unless you read it in Russian, of course . . . if that’s the case, just ignore everything I’ve said! :P)
Anokatony
Sep 30, 2020 @ 01:57:32
Yes, in Russian literature, translators are everything, I started out with good old reliable Constance Garnett and Aylmer and Louise Maude. Then I went through a long David Magarshack phase. Now like everyone else I have switched to Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 30, 2020 @ 08:46:18
Not everybody… I can’t bear their translations and will do *anything* I can to avoid them! ;D
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 30, 2020 @ 08:45:48
I would tend to agree – the translation can be crucial and reading a P/V versions of The Master and Margarita definitely affected my view of it. My second reading was infinitely superior!
cirtnecce
Oct 01, 2020 @ 07:27:08
I know what you mean and you may be right….the translation may have felt tedious! I think I will look around for another edition!
p.s. my ambition one day is learn to read and write in Russian but I am yet to get there; so no, it was in English! 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 01, 2020 @ 08:56:55
I’d love to read Russian too but I think that ship has sailed…. 😦
cirtnecce
Oct 03, 2020 @ 01:27:56
its never too late!! An aunt of mine taught herself Latin at 71 !
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 03, 2020 @ 15:37:21
That’s impressive. I might have more chance if I didn’t have to learn another alphabet…
Caroline
Oct 01, 2020 @ 15:53:33
Now you’ve put me in the mood to hunt for my Gogol collections. Not that I have that many. Maybe one or two. I seem to rememeber I prefer the short stories of Pushkin.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 01, 2020 @ 16:20:15
Ah, interesting. Pushkin is rather wonderful too. But then, I tend to love most classic Russian authors! 😀
buriedinprint
Oct 02, 2020 @ 18:53:38
What a fine title: no wonder you needed to explore!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 02, 2020 @ 21:40:36
I couldn’t resist! 😁
cammanley1
Oct 14, 2021 @ 21:10:09
I think perhaps one of the best things about Gogol is that its short – you can dip in and out when you like – much easier (and quicker) than, say Tolstoy or Dostoevsky!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 15, 2021 @ 10:19:52
Yes, having access to the shorter works does help – althoguh there *are* shorter Tolstoys and Dostoevskys, but they’re not always what’s regarded as their best works. Having said that, I love The Gambler and The Double!!