A Sportsman's Notebook (Everyman's Library)

This book was recommended to me by someone who, knowing I am a hunter, thought I would enjoy it. This compilation of short stories left me a little disappointed but most likely because I am not an avid fiction reader. Turgenev uses 'hunting' as a device to place himself, and perhaps a companion, in various geographical locations where he meets someone or observes something and a story ensues. Only the story 'Forest and Steppe' drew me in enthusiastically, in it, Turgenev explains the sights, smells, highs and lows of spirit, effects of time and weather affecting events in the out-of-doors. I must admit that I do reread 'The Live Relic' occasionally, this story I first read, I believe, in a high school literature class (long ago) and for some reason this story strikes an interest. I recall thinking the story was so implausible, upon first reading, that it was ridiculous. Later, I learned Turgenev said it was inspired by an actual event, perhaps therein is the attraction.

This is the classic book that put Turgenev on the literary map--both in his own time and for all of history. The strength of this, his first book, was such that, even if Turgenev had never written another book, he would still be recognized as the father of the modern short story. Indeed, A Sportsman's Notebook was Hemmingway's favorite book, and it is not hard to see traces of Turgenevs influence in the work of Hemmingway and other later-day masters of the short story.Notebook contains twenty-five stories in which Turgenev shares shares memories from the hunting expeditions that lead him throughout the Russian countryside. His writing is strong because there is real life in his people and real beauty in his landscapes.The translation by Charles and Natasha Hepburn is absolutely amazing; it far surpasses the work of Constance Garnett, whose Turgenev is for me nearly unreadable.

Tales written some 200 years ago, still thought provoking and perfectly told.

This is a consistently engaging collection of stories all told by the same narrator that was instrumental to the freeing of the serfs. One of the great books of Russian lit. Don't miss it.

Great quality print

One of my favorite books - I come back to this again and again over the years. Turgenev is the best prose writer of the Russians, though perhaps Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky have him beat on ideas. Anyway, English speakers can follow Turgenev much more easily. This is the book that Hemingway tried to "beat" when he wrote Green Hills of Africa. Did he? You decide.

classic

Several years ago I was browsing through a local used book store and this novel caught my eye. It had the nice Everyman's Library cover and the built in page keeper; an aesthetically pleasing little book. Being an outdoorsman myself, the title, "Sportsman's Notebook," piqued my interest. I bought the book on a whim without even flipping through it. At the time, I had never read a book by a Russian author.Now, several years later, my bookshelf is full of novels by Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and of course Turgenev. The beauty and depth of this book initiated a love for 19th century Russian literature which has stayed with me ever since. I simply cannot say enough for this book, and I gladly join the other reviewers here in giving it five stars.A basic description of this book would be a collection of short stories, where Turgenev describes various situations and events he experienced in the Russian countryside. Much of this involves character sketches of people; all kinds of people from wealthy land owners to serfs and peasants. In the process, Turgenev presents the reader with an explanation of the rural Russian experience, notoriously difficult to figure out. He also presents an enlightening way to view humanity. Turgenev's ability to find beauty and strength in the often cruel Russian countryside is without parallel.This particular book comes with some beneficial extras. The introduction by Max Egremont provides biographical information on Turgenev, a description of the historical context in which he wrote, and his own perceptive analysis of Turgenev's work. There is also a chronology which presents Turgenev's personal life alongside the historical and literary events which occurred during his lifetime. It is important to note that Russian is notoriously difficult to effectively translate. The translation in this book, done by Charles and Natasha Hepburn, preserves most of the original work, although I doubt every nuance of Turgenev's writing was preserved. Such an accomplishment is not possible; Russian doesn't translate to English in any exact way.In describing this book, Max Egremont writes, "The theme is that of a submission to fate. It is a constant presence in Turgenev's work." It is this theme, constant throughout the book, which provides the reader with Turgenev's inspiring view on humanity. The Russian countryside is replete with general hopelessness and the inevitability of hardship and death. The peasants in Turgenev's work approach this type of life with a simple resilience, which becomes a point of admiration as one reads through the assorted stories.My advice would be to buy a sturdy copy of this book, because it will be well-used. I often find myself picking it up and re-reading a story or two on a regular basis. Reading about Turgenev's stoic characters is a soothing way to end an especially difficult day. Ernest Hemingway encouraged aspiring writers to read all of Turgenev's works. Hemingway has written Turgenev into his novels as a book to read when you're drunk in bed at night to stave off nausea. I am confident that this novel will find its own unique role in your life as well.

Absolute bargain totally unmarred by notes etc, and in great condition

In my consideration, this is perhaps the most beautiful collection of short stories on nature. The author illustrates the nineteenth century provincial Russia in the most aesthetic way. Once somewhere I read Hemingway used to go through this book over and over.Page quality, binding, printing and overall composition of the book are very appropriate and harmonious. The money is worth spent. Thanks Amazon.

It is said that Turgenev's description of a gentleman-hunter's activities awoke Tsar Alexander II to the terrible living conditions of the serfs and, therefore, was partly responsible for the abolition of serfdom. Even if that is untrue, it is a reflection upon the powerful descriptions in this book. The translation is one that allows the reader to feel the strength of Turgenev's feelings for people and the countryside. Do read this.

This book is strongly recommended reading for those who wish to get a glimpse of 19th century Russia.The book is not a collection of essays or short stories or a travelogue or for that matter a diary but a collection of vignettes into Russian life and manners in the 19th century.Turgenev here almost succeeds in creating a new literary genre.Priced slightly on the higher side one must remember that it is hardbound, comes with a dj and is not printed on newsprint.Overall a wonderful book worth the money.

good as expected, no surprise