List and Index of Gurney Manuscripts at the Friends House Library, London Book

A group of self -loathing, pity -seeking people of four women, six men in a large Russian country estate with a nearby beautiful lake to swim or fish in, plenty of room to take walks in a tranquil, lovely setting ... the outdoors such a change from city noise during the late nineteenth century may require the reader's patience, since a couple are rich and famous; they protest too much as the saying goes. In Anton Chekhov 's play all have a dark side the surface appearances hides their turmoil as good manners requires calmness, and politeness, society must be maintained, civilization demands this.... The performance unfolds in the home of Piotr Sorin, a sick old man retired from government service, with an amateur play about to be acted here for the amusement of the guests; visiting him is the renowned actress Irena Arkadina a miser, her star shining less bright, his sister and troubled son Konstantin Trepliov a timid scribbler of the forthcoming theatricals, looking for something to believe in with a low opinion of the world, he dislikes everyone especially himself. Nina Zaryechnaia ( Seagull) an aimless daughter of a rich man a neighbor who neglects her being remarried. Ilyia Shamrayev, Sorin's stern bailiff, Polena his restless wife and their bored daughter , Marsha. Boris Trigorin the popular middlebrow novelist with a roving eye, Yevgheniy Dorn a doctor who keeps Sorin alive, a bachelor that females like, last and certainly least Semion Medviedenko a poor school teacher, clueless, yet trying to rise from this situation. Put these folks together and the flow isn't action -packed but quite interesting when men and women interact, as love affairs commence, couples unite and separate... hate, greed, lust, jealousy are slowly revealed to the audience , people can be generous up to a certain point, than self- preservation sets in, trinkets more important. Others will have to take care of themselves as they do, the play was a notorious failure in St. Petersburg when first performed in 1896 Chekhov a man never sure of his immense talent was quite discouraged, threatening never to write another, however later it was his biggest success ...In Moscow, the theater as a whole profits immensely because of this the author likewise ... yet life is not predictable which makes for a chaotic ride into the unknown.... The adventurous reader will be happy or not, a fascinating look into the subconscious ....P.S. inspired if you can believe it by Shakespeare's Hamlet