The Duel (1905) is Alexander Kuprin’s most celebrated work — a powerful novella set in a provincial Russian army garrison, following a sensitive young officer ground down by the brutality, stupidity, and stagnation of military life. Published in the year of Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, it was received as a devastating indictment of the Russian military establishment.
Sharply observed and emotionally compelling, The Duel established Kuprin’s place among the major Russian writers of the early 20th century. Download the free EPUB to discover this neglected masterwork.