Well, there's nothing like the head scratching a Russian short story will give you.

Not sure how you're planning to discuss this, as it has 6 sections.

I did find the paratext quite interesting though, as the story could've started with “Ivan Fydorovich Shponka”, but Gogol decided to have a back story for the story itself.

Will investigate and hopefully come back to some discussion.

Not sure how we will discuss this either. I've just received my copy of this book, and this story is not even in it.

I can't find it on line either, sorry guys, I really screwed this up. In the featured copy of this book, there are five short stories, "The Diary of a Madman", "The Nose", "The Carriage", "The Overcoat" and "Taras Bulba". I will create threads for these now.

You didn't screw up, as there are a few versions.

The Penguin edition has the "Ivan" stories added at the start.

The Shponka story was a delight to read. I enjoy Gogol's style as he portrays people in very amusing ways and always has humorous dialogue between them. Every character is interesting and there is hardly a line that passes that doesn't have me cracking at least a smile.

Gogol's way of portraying Russian life gives a reader insight into how early 19th century Russia was. The caste system is very strong with rank being everything and serfdom ever present. He's not shy about shining a spotlight on crooked behavior either - with bribery being the rule of the day. From what I hear from a Russian friend of mine, palm greasing is still necessary to get things accomplished.

Shponka is a cute story and it's a shame you don't have it to read in your copy. It was a joy.

Hello Comacho, it's nice to hear from you!

Here is the link for the Penquin Classics version of "The Diary of a Madman, and other Stories".
http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Madman-Stor ... 0140442731

These additional stories look good, it you have not gotten your copy yet, you may want to consider the Penquin Classics version. I will also try to find these additional stories on line, "Ivan Fyodorovich Shponka and his Aunt" and "How Ivan Ivanovich Quarrelled with Ivan Nikiforovitch". If anyone finds them on line please share, it would be appreciated. Thanks

Whenever I purchase a classic new I always try and get the Penguin version. The price is right, the translations are usually quality, and the books all match in the library. Penguin has a black cover and it looks nice on the shelf. The oxford's are written very well but the type they choose is usually microscopic and torturous to read. The signet classics are also good but the outside cover usually looks like it belongs on a supermarket shelf.