The Overcoat

By Nikolai Gogol and Nikolaj Gogol

Book Overview

The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol is one of the most influential and widely studied short stories in world literature, a cornerstone of classic Russian fiction that blends dark humour, social satire, and haunting psychological insight. First published in 1842, this remarkable book follows the life of Akaky Akakievich, a humble and overlooked government clerk in St Petersburg whose existence revolves around copying documents-until the desperate need for a new overcoat sets in motion a quiet yet devastating transformation.

At once deeply tragic and sharply comic, this classic story explores themes of poverty, identity, bureaucracy, social indifference, and the fragile dignity of the individual. Gogol's masterful prose captures the absurdity of official life and the quiet suffering of those at the margins of society, creating a work that is both a biting satire and a profoundly human narrative. Often regarded as one of the greatest short stories ever written, The Overcoat has influenced generations of writers and remains essential reading in literary fiction.

Perfect for readers of classic literature, Russian fiction, satirical novels, and psychological short stories, this enduring book offers a powerful and unforgettable exploration of alienation, ambition, and loss. Whether read for its literary significance or its emotional depth, The Overcoat continues to resonate as a timeless masterpiece of 19th-century literature.

This new English translation is now available in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1918736391
• ISBN13: 9781918736397
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: The Lost Book Project
• Length: 49 Pages
• Weight: 0.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.1" x 6.0"