Most Popular Books by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Demons, also known as The Possessed or The Devils, is a dark masterpiece that evokes a world where the lines between and good and evil long ago became blurred. This Penguin Classics edition of Fyodor Dostoyevsky''s Demons is translated by Robert A. Maguire and edited by Ronald Meyer, with an introduction by Robert L. Belknap. Pyotr Verkhovensky and Nikolai Stavrogin are the leaders of a Russian revolutionary cell. Their aim is to overthrow the Tsar, destroy society and seize power for themselves. Together they train terrorists who are willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals - even if the mission means suicide. But when it seems their motley group is about to be discovered, will their recruits be willing to kill one of their own circle in order to cover their tracks? As the ensuing investigation and trial reveal the true identity of the murderer, Dostoyevsky''s and everyone''s faith in humanity is tested. Partly based on the real-life case of a student murdered by his fellow revolutionaries, Dostoyevsky''s sprawling novel is a powerful and prophetic, yet lively and often comic depiction of nineteenth-century Russia, and a savage indictment of the madness and nihilism of those who use violence to serve their beliefs. Robert A. Maguire''s superb translation captures Dostoyevsky''s vigorous prose. In his introduction, Robert L. Belknap discusses Dostoyevsky''s own revolutionary activities, his narrative technique and use of different genres, and the background of Radicalism in Imperial Russia. Edited by Ronald Meyer, this volume also includes a chronology, further reading, notes and a glossary. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) was born in Moscow. From 1849-54 he lived in a convict prison, and in later years his passion for gambling led him deeply into debt. His other works available in Penguin Classics include Crime & Punishment, The Idiot and Demons. If you enjoyed Demons, you might like Joris-Karl Huysmans'' The Damned (Là-Bas), also available in Penguin Classics.

The Gambler is a short novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky about a young tutor in the employment of a formerly wealthy Russian general. The novella reflects Dostoyevsky''s own addiction to roulette, which was in more ways than one the inspiration for the book: Dostoyevsky completed the novella under a strict deadline to pay off gambling debts.

Poor Folk, sometimes translated as Poor People, is the first novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, written over the span of nine months between 1844 and 1845. Dostoyevsky was in financial difficulty because of his extravagant living and his developing gambling addiction; although he had produced some translations of foreign novels, they had little success, and he decided to write a novel of his own to try to raise funds.

The House of the Dead is a semi-autobiographical novel published in 1861-2 in the journal Vremya by Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky, which portrays the life of convicts in a Siberian prison camp. The novel has also been published under the titles Memoirs from the House of The Dead and Notes from the Dead House (or Notes from a Dead House). The book is a loosely-knit collection of facts, events and philosophical discussion organised by "theme" rather than as a continuous story. Dostoyevsky himself spent four years in exile in such a camp following his conviction for involvement in the Petrashevsky Circle. This experience allowed him to describe with great authenticity the conditions of prison life and the characters of the convicts.

"The Possessed: Or, The Devils Part II" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky''s is a seminal work in Russian literature, renowned for its exploration of existentialism, Dostoevskian themes, and psychological depth. Set against the backdrop of Russian society, this novel delves into the complexities of the human psyche amidst political intrigue and societal critique. At its core, "The Possessed" is a psychological novel that delves into the moral ambiguity of its characters, showcasing their inner conflicts and existential dilemmas. Dostoyevsky masterfully weaves religious symbolism and philosophical discourse throughout the narrative, adding layers of depth to the story. The novel''s characters are intricately crafted, embodying the complexity of human nature and serving as vessels for Dostoyevsky''s exploration of existential themes. Through their interactions and struggles, the author offers a profound critique of Russian society and its underlying philosophical underpinnings. "The Possessed" stands as a timeless literary classic, celebrated for its profound insights into the human condition and its enduring relevance in contemporary discourse. With its rich tapestry of philosophical ideas, political intrigue, and character complexity, this novel continues to captivate readers and scholars alike, solidifying Dostoyevsky''s legacy as one of the greatest writers in Russian literature.

In "The Crocodile," Fyodor Dostoyevsky presents a satirical novella that delves into the absurdities of human nature and societal norms through the lens of a bizarre narrative involving a man who is swallowed by a crocodile. This work intricately blends humor and existential angst, characteristic of Dostoyevsky''s literary style, offering a profound commentary on bureaucracy and the human condition. It reflects the socio-political climate of 19th-century Russia, where the absurdities of modern life frequently intersected with philosophical inquiries into existence and morality. Dostoyevsky, a pivotal figure in Russian literature, faced many hardships that informed his worldview, including imprisonment and financial instability, which cultivated his acute awareness of the complexities of human existence. These experiences, alongside an evolving sense of moral philosophy, shaped his writing style, often characterized by deep psychological insight and social critique. "The Crocodile" stands as a sardonic examination of materialism and the absurdity of modern life, likely influenced by his own tumultuous experiences in a rapidly changing society. This novella is highly recommended for readers seeking a thought-provoking exploration of absurdity within the context of societal critique. Dostoyevsky''s deft humor and sharp observations invite readers to reflect on their own realities while engaging with the timeless themes of identity and existential absurdity.

Summoned to the country estate of his wealthy uncle Colonel Yegor Rostanev, the young student Sergey Aleksandrovich finds himself thrown into a startling bedlam. For as he soon sees, his meek and kind-hearted uncle is wholly dominated by a pretentious and despotic pseudo-intellectual named Opiskin, a charlatan who has ingratiated himself with Yegor’s mother and now holds the entire household under his thumb. Watching the absurd theatrics of this domestic tyrant over forty-eight explosive hours, Sergey grows increasingly furious - until at last, he feels compelled to act. A compelling comic exploration of petty tyranny, The Village of Stepanchikovo reveals a delight in life’s wild absurdities that rivals even Gogol’s. It also offers a fascinating insight into the genesis of the characters and situations of many of Dostoyevsky’s great later novels, including The Idiot, Devils and The Brothers Karamazov.

The Doubleis a remarkable work of doppelganger literature. As Dostoevsky examines the neurosis and paranoia that cripple a seemingly ordinary man, he produces a thoroughly modern nightmare, brilliantly foreshadowing the works of Kafka and Sartre. Mr. Golyadkin, a minor government official, is a rather middling man. Then one day he meets his "double"a man with the same name, face, and background. Initially charmed by the coincidence, Golyadkin soon notices a discernable cooling in the reaction of his friends and colleagues, while his double seems to grow in popularity. Unable to escape the relentless presence of "Golyadkin junior," even the most ordinary activities begin to take on a terrifying significance, until Golyadkin finds himself on the verge of a breakdown. Fyodor Dostoevsky is regarded as one of the greatest prose writers of all time.

"The Grand Inquisitor" is a passage taken from Fyodor Dostoyevsky''s novel, "The Brothers Karamazov." The story is a parable told by one brother, Ivan, to the other, Alyosha.

A rich and idle man confronts his dead mistress''s husband in this psychological novel of duality. Powerful and accessible, it offers a captivating and revealing exploration of love, guilt, and hatred.