The Bet and the Other Stories

<p>A classic collection of tales by the acclaimed Russian playwright and author universally recognized as a master of the modern short story.</p><p>In The Bet partygoers strike up a debate regarding the humanity of capital punishment versus life imprisonment which causes a two-million-ruble wager to be struck between a lawyer and a banker. The lawyer arguing in favor of life imprisonment agrees to spend fifteen years in total isolation in a guest room on the banker's property. Granted only basic necessities he staves off loneliness and depression by reading studying playing piano and drinking wine. Meanwhile the banker experiences the follies of fortune leading him to a desperate and dastardly decision . . .</p><p><br></p><p>Other stories in this volume include A Tedious Story The Fit Misfortune After the Theatre That Wretched Boy Enemies A Trifling Occurrence A Gentleman Friend Overwhelming Sensations Expensive Lessons A Living Calendar and Old Age.</p>