While at a party organized by the local landowner for the officers of his brigade, the shy and awkward Ryabovich is suddenly kissed by an unknown woman in a dark room. This unexpected, electrifying encounter, which he relives in his mind day after day, marks a turning point for Ryabovich, showing him that everything in life - joy, sorrow, hope - is equally pointless and subject to chance. One of Chekhov"s most admired stories, "The Kiss" is joined in this volume by six other celebrated tales in a brand-new translation by Hugh Aplin: "The Lady with the Little Dog", "Ward Six", "The Black Monk", "The House with a Mezzanine", "The Bishop" and "Peasants" - making this an indispensable collection for those wanting to discover Chekhov at his creative best.