Dead Souls (Translated by C. J. Hogarth with an Introduction by John Cournos)

Chichikov, a middle-class gentleman, devises a scheme to enhance his social standing in a small Russian town by acquiring "dead souls," or deceased serfs, to manipulate the local landowners. His extravagant spending aims to impress officials and secure connections. The novel, a satirical exploration of human folly, reflects Gogol's sharp critique of societal norms. Although it ends abruptly and is rumored to be incomplete, it remains a significant work in literature. This edition features a translation by C. J. Hogarth and an introduction by John Cournos.