Praised by Chekhov as his favourite writer, Nikolai Leskov occupies a unique place in Russian literature. His original stories often seem like folk-tales, their larger-than-life characters including soldiers, Tsars, priests and gypsies. Leskov’s storytelling, simple in its style, combines a deep religious spirit with comic absurdity.

The Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District, Leskov’s best-known work, is a realist account of a young woman who escapes from her loveless marriage through adultery, leading to violence and murder. This audiobook collection of six stories also includes The Sealed Angel, The Steel Flea, The Toupée Artist, The Sentry and On the Edge of the World.