"Dead Souls" is a novel written by the Russian author Nikolai Gogol, first published in 1842. The story follows a man named Chichikov who travels through provincial Russia, purchasing the rights to deceased serfs, or "dead souls," from landowners. His goal is to acquire wealth and social status by using these souls to secure a loan. The novel is a satirical exploration of the moral and social issues of 19th-century Russia. Through Chichikov's interactions with various characters, Gogol critiques the corruption, greed, and superficiality of society. "Dead Souls" is considered a classic of Russian literature and highlights the absurdities of human behavior.