‘But wise is the man who disdains no character, but with searching glance explores him to the root and cause of all.’

First published in 1842, and considered one of the greatest novels borne out of nineteenth century Russian literature, Dead Souls is a dark reckoning with modern society’s appalling hypocrisies.

A mysterious stranger, Chichikov, arrives at a small town to set about a bizarre plan: to acquire all the dead ‘souls’ (AKA serfs), freeing local landowners from the tax they still paid on them, despite them having passed. As Chichikov progresses his plan, he comes across a ludicrous cast of characters – each more neurotic than the next. However, as time unfolds, it appears his Chichikov’s intentions also ought to be questioned. A scathing satire of society’s obsession with wealth and power, Dead Souls remains a beloved Russian classic – and one of the most unique literary offerings of the nineteenth century – to this very day. This audiobook edition is expertly read by Peter Noble.

Nikolai Gogol (1809 – 1852) was a Russian novelist and playwright. Known for his surrealist approach and use of the grotesque, Gogol also drew upon Ukrainian folklore and culture in his writing. His work influenced several revered Russian writers, including Fyodor Dostoevsky, Frankz Kafka, Vladimir Nabokov and more.