A new Chinese collection of Anton Chekhov's timeless theatrical masterpieces was released on Saturday in honor of his 120th death anniversary. Photo: Courtesy of Shanghai Translation Publishing House

120 years ago, Anton Chekhov bade farewell to the world in Badenweiler, France. 120 years later, Chekhov won't expect his works would still be loved by readers from the distant East. On Saturday, the Shanghai Translation Publishing House released a new Chinese collection of his timeless theatrical masterpieces with expert edition to commemorate him.

"May you be merry, not dreary or wary, don't act too clever, spend less, be savvier." Many young readers resonate deeply with Chekhov's insights under the hashtag "Chekhov is me," reflecting his "lack money literature." Young Chinese readers, encountering Chekhov's observations, find reflections of themselves in his portrayal of minor characters and their everyday struggles. Despite their sadness, the comedic elements within these characters often provide encouragement to them, and the comedic traits stand there.

This monumental collection features translations by Chinese masters like Li Jianwu and Jiao Juyin, along with insightful introductions from experts deeply immersed in Chekhov's dramatic legacy. The collection also includes audio interpretations of classic scenes from the plays and readers can listen to these memorable moments by scanning QR codes in the books.

The collection comprises eight plays, including Chekhov's four renowned works: The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard. Each play is celebrated for its profound portrayal of the human condition amid societal upheavals.

A scholar surnamed Hu, who specialized in Russian and French literature told Global Times that many Russian novelists depict suffering with a focus on rational existence and always take redemption as solution.

"Chekhov is different. His subtle observation and compassion towards small characters resonate more with people, and there's no need for redemption," Hu said.

Dong Xiao, Dean of the School of Literature at Nanjing University in China, explores Chekhov's distinctive comedic spirit in his introduction to Uncle Vanya. Dong highlighted that understanding Chekhov's drama requires recognizing its unique comedic essence, which does not necessarily manifest in overtly comical behavior. 

He notes that while Uncle Vanya may not exhibit traditional light-hearted comedy, its characters often display a melancholic temperament. Through self-deprecating humor, which resembles comic traits, these characters occasionally find liberation from their tragic realities, endowing the narrative with an inherent comedic quality.

To this day, these enduring comedic traits continue to inspire young readers in China. 

In western countries, Chekhov is often called the Shakespeare of the twentieth century. He changed the long-established system of drama and presented a simple and natural rhythm of life in "prose style", but in the seemingly trivial daily life, he unearthed deep sadness, anticipation and eternal longing. His works advocate for cultural empathy and mutual respect, serving as a bridge across cultures. As this year marks the 75th anniversary of Sino-Russian diplomatic relations, literary exchanges continue to foster mutual understanding and dialogue between the two countries.

This edition of Chekhov's complete works is not only a literary treasure but also a visual delight. Its retro-modern design is tailored for portability and accessibility. With its compact size, paperback format, and individual volumes for each play, this collection is designed to be carried anywhere, making them ideal companions for daily commutes or moments of contemplation.