<DIV><p>Absolutely wonderful."?Francine Prose</p><p>Written in France toward the end of his career, these stories are Anton Chekhov's only attempt at the linked collection. "A Man in a Shell" is a grotesque Gogolian comedy; "Gooseberries," a narrator's impassioned response; and "About Love," a poignant story of failed relationships. Translated by the impeccable David Helwig and fabulously illustrated by Seth, <I>About Love </I>is essential for any Chekhov enthusiast.</p><p><B>David Helwig </B>is the author of twenty volumes of fiction and fourteen volumes of poetry, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and former poet laureate of Prince Edward Island.</p><BR></DIV>