Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (January 29 [O.S. January 17] 1860 – July 15 [O.S. July 2] 1904) (Russian: Анто́н Па́влович Че́хов Anton Pavlovich Chyekhov, Russian pronunciation: [ɐnˈton ˈpavləvʲɪtɕ ˈtɕɛxəf]) was a Russian short-story writer, playwright and physician, considered to be one of the greatest short-story writers in world literature.^[1] His career as a dramatist produced four classics and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics.^[2][3] Chekhov practised as a doctor throughout most of his literary career: "Medicine is my lawful wife," he once said, "and literature is my mistress."^[4]