Les Vagabonds

Name: Les Vagabonds
Author: Maksim Gorky

A collection of short narratives portraying itinerant and marginalized individuals through terse, direct sketches that emphasize character over plot. Each tale concentrates on brief episodes and intense encounters—friendship, betrayal, moments of generosity and brutality—illuminating the precariousness of life on society’s margins. The prose favors vivid sensory detail and simple scenes to reveal stubborn pride, longing for independence, and conflicted compassion. Together the pieces form a loosely connected portrait of wandering lives, exploring dignity, alienation, and the human costs of poverty without moralizing or elaborate plotting.

By Maksim Gorky

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Russian Literature

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About the Author

Maksim Gorky

Maksim Gorky was a prominent Russian writer and political activist, known for his contributions to socialist literature and his portrayal of the struggles of the working class. Born in 1868, Gorky emerged as a significant literary figure in the early 20th century, with works that often reflected his own experiences of poverty and hardship. His notable works include 'Mother,' a powerful novel that explores themes of revolution and familial bonds, and 'The Lower Depths,' a drama that delves into the lives of the downtrodden. Gorky's writings not only shaped Russian literature but also influenced social thought during a time of great upheaval.