Twenty-six and One, and Other Stories

Name: Twenty-six and One, and Other Stories
Author: Maksim Gorky

A series of short, realist narratives portrays the lives of itinerant and working-class people, taking readers into cramped bakeries, sawmills, quays, and small boats. The episodes emphasize daily labor, hunger, drunkenness, fleeting solidarities, and occasional aspirations for freedom, rendered in plain, observational detail. Plots remain simple and episodic, concentrating on brief, revealing moments instead of extended drama, while recurring themes examine survival, social marginalization, and the tension between resignation and the longing for a different life.

By Maksim Gorky

Open in WeRead Explore More Books Like This

Russian Literature Short Stories

About This Book

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.