"In the compilation of this volume I have been guided by the desire to give the largest possible representation to the prominent authors of the Russian short story and to present specimens characteristic of each. At the same time the element of interest has been kept in mind; and in a few instances as in the case of Korolenko the selection of the story was made with a view to its intrinsic merit and striking qualities rather than as typifying the writer's art."
Thomas Seltzer