This play holds great appeal for students of Russian and drama students alike. In this carefully researched study, Michael Beresford gives a detailed account of its composition, reception and stage history. Misconceptions about the nature and purpose of Gogols's dramatic masterpiece are common and this book puts the record straight, using evidence from the writings of Gogol and his contemporaries. The play, innocent of any political intent, emerges not as a light-hearted farce, but as a subtle satirical comedy, a brilliant expose not just of bribery but of corruption in its many guises. Its characters, far from being grotesque, are shown to be real people and recognisable types. This book shows the wisdom, humour and subtlety that is missing in many English translations.