work
A. Chekhonte. Stories and Sketches
"Stories and Sketches"
also: А. Чехонте. Рассказы и очерки, Rasskazy i ocherki
The title Chekhov, at Leikin's urging, settles on (over joking alternatives like "Cats and Crucians") for his forthcoming first story collection, discussed here with Bilibin and the poet Palmin.
Reading notes
- To V. V. Bilibin, 1 February 1886. Moscow. §8 "A. Chekhonte. Stories and Sketches"
The plain, businesslike title Chekhov ultimately favors (matching Leikin's preference) over the joking alternatives -- an early instance of the pen name "A. Chekhonte," under which Chekhov published most of his comic journalism in the 1880s, appearing on a book title.
- To N. A. Leikin, 3 February 1886. Moscow. §11 "A. Chekhonte. Stories and Sketches"
The plainer, more businesslike alternative title Leikin had been pushing (already settled between Chekhov and Bilibin four days earlier in); Chekhov offers it here as a fallback if "Motley Tales" does not suit, and leaves the final choice to Leikin and I. Grek.