Events on January 17, 2007:

Author Birthday: Anton Chekhov (1820)

Today is the birthday of Anton Chehkov (1860). Born in Taganrog, Russia, Chekhov is renowned as a master playwright and storyteller. He considered his plays to be comic satires of turn-of-the-century Russia: "All I wanted was to say honestly to people: 'Have a look at yourselves and see how bad and dreary your lives are!' The important thing is that people should realize that, for when they do, they will most certainly create another and better life for themselves."

Chekhov: Four Plays (Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters, The Seagull, and The Cherry Orchard)

Stories (30 of Chekhovs best stories)