The Lady with the Little Dog and Other Stories, 1896-1904In the final years of his life, Chekhov had reached the height of his powers as a dramatist and also produced some of the stories that rank among his masterpieces. The poignant The Lady with the Little Dog and 'About Love' examine the nature of love outside of marriage its romantic idealism and the fear of disillusionment. In stories such as 'Peasants', 'The House with the Mezzanine', and 'My Life', Chekhov paints a vivid picture of the conditions of