Do you want to relax to the fullest? I want that too. I am incredibly drawn to the sea. Spending a week in Yalta or Feodosia would be a real pleasure for me. Home is nice, of course, but it seems like it would be a thousand times better on a steamboat. I crave freedom and money. Sitting on the deck, drinking wine, and talking about literature, and in the evening meeting with ladies. Would you like to go south in September?

Yours, A. Chekhov.

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, in a letter to Alexei Suvorin, July 28, 1893.

Exactly 160 years ago, on January 29, 1860, the great Russian writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was born in Taganrog. His name is known worldwide and is a symbol of Russian literature.

He lived only 44 years but managed to accomplish a great deal. His works remain relevant, his stories have been translated into many languages, and his plays are hugely popular among theatergoers.

Since 1909, Chekhov's works have been adapted into films nearly 550 times. In pre-revolutionary Russia alone, 7 films were made, and it is now impossible to count the number of countries where his works have been adapted.

No other universally recognized literary genius can boast such popularity among directors.

Monuments to Anton Pavlovich adorn dozens of cities in Russia and abroad, streets, squares, and cities are named after him. He is known, loved, and read all over the world.

Chekhov, our national treasure, symbol, and pride.