Dead Souls

Set against a backdrop of serfdom, the story follows Chichikov, who devises a cunning plan to buy deceased male serfs to feign wealth for borrowing purposes. Gogol's sharp satire critiques the flawed social system of his era while delivering a humorous narrative. Originally envisioned as a three-volume work, much of the second volume was destroyed by the author, yet the novel remains a celebrated masterpiece. This edition features a detailed biographical timeline, adding depth to the reading experience.