Madame Ranevskaya returns to her decaying estate in pre-Revolutionary Russia after an exile in Paris. The estate and its beloved cherry orchard are threatened by Ranevskaya's financial problems, and no one seems able to do anything about it.

Classic of world drama concerns the passing of the old semifeudal order in turn-of-the-century Russia, symbolized in the sale of the cherry orchard owned by Madame Ranevskaya. The work also showcases Chekhov's rich sensitivities as an observer of human nature. This inexpensive, high-quality edition, reprinted from a standard edition of the play, will provide theater students and any lover of great drama with a reliable text of this masterpiece.

"The play takes place on the grounds of Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya's estate, somewhere in the provinces of Russia. Lopakhin, a sometime peasant who has become a wealthy businessman, and Dunyasha, the maid, are waiting for Lyubov. She has been away from home a long time, living in Paris with her lover. When she arrives with her daughter, Anya, she is welcomed by her brother, Gayev, and other family, friends, staff and neighbors. Lyubov and Gayev...