fyodor.dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevskyfyodor.dostoevsky
The Idiot
"The Idiot" is a novel written by Fyodor Dostoevsky and first published in 1868-1869. The story follows Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, a young man who returns to Russia after spending several years in a Swiss clinic for the treatment of his epilepsy. Myshkin is a man of great kindness and simplicity, but his naivety and purity lead others to misunderstand him as an idiot. Throughout the novel, Myshkin encounters a variety of complex characters and finds himself entangled in the intrigues and selfish desires of Russian society. The work explores deep themes such as morality, Christian love, and the struggle between good and evil. It is considered a masterpiece of Russian literature and a reflection on innocence and corruption in society
fyodor.dostoevsky
Notes From the Underground
"Notes From the Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a deep dive into the conflicted mind of an unnamed narrator, often referred to as the Underground Man. This character grapples with intense self-loathing, existential angst, and a relentless critique of society. Written in the mid-19th century, the book is split into two parts: the first is a monologue that explores his philosophical ruminations, and the second recounts interactions that highlight his struggles with connecting to others. It’s a powerful, thought-provoking read that questions the nature of free will, individualism, and human nature.
fyodor.dostoevsky
The Gambler
Description The Gambler is a short novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, that was first published in 1866. A first person narrative, told from the point of view of Alexei Ivanovich. Alexei is a tutor who works for a Russian family who reside in a German hotel. The patriarch of the family, known as the General, is a gambler who, heavy in debt, awaits news of the death of a wealthy aunt so he can use his inheritance to pay off some of his debts. Alexei meanwhile is in love with the General's niece, Polina. The story revolves around the addiction of gambling, in particular the roulette table, and how it overtakes people lives to damaging effect. The book also reflects Dostoevsky's own addiction to roulette, and indeed, he wrote The Gambler under a strict deadline in order to pay off some gambling debts of his own. This book has 60,981 words, and was originally published in 1866. This translation by C. J. Hogarth was published in 1867. Production notes: This ebook of The Gambler was published by Global Grey on the 24th November 2021, and updated on the 14th April 2022. The artwork used for the cover was adapted from 'Cockfighting in Flanders' by Rémy Cogghe.
fyodor.dostoevsky
Crime and Punishment
Description Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic, Crime And Punishment, tells the story of Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, who wanders through the slums of St Petersburg and commits a random murder without remorse or regret. He imagines himself to be a great man, a Napoleon: acting for a higher purpose beyond conventional moral law. But as he embarks on a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a suspicious police investigator, Raskolnikov is pursued by the growing voice of his conscience and finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck. Only Sonya, a downtrodden prostitute, can offer the chance of redemption. No. 11 in 20 Classic Books You Must Read Before You Die. Part of the Harvard Classics set. This book has 204,129 words, and was originally published in 1866. This translation by Constance Garnett was first published in 1914. Production notes: This ebook of Crime and Punishment was published by Global Grey on the 12th February 2018, and updated on the 14th June 2022. The artwork used for the cover is 'Portrait of the writer A. N. Strugovshchikov' by Karl Bryullov.
fyodor.dostoevsky
The Brothers Karamazov
Description The Brothers Karamazov is a novel written by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1880. The story is set in 19th-century Russia and follows the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the relationships between the three brothers: Dmitry, Ivan, and Alexei. The novel begins with the introduction of the father, Fyodor Karamazov, a wealthy and dissolute man who has three sons from two different marriages. Dmitry, the oldest son, is passionate and impulsive, while Ivan, the middle son, is intellectual and skeptical. Alexei, the youngest son, is gentle and spiritual, and is also known as Alyosha. The plot centers on the murder of Fyodor Karamazov, which occurs under mysterious circumstances. Each of the three brothers is a suspect in the murder, and the novel explores their individual motives, as well as their relationships with each other and with their father. As the investigation unfolds, the novel delves into complex themes such as the nature of God, the existence of free will, and the meaning of morality. The narrative also includes subplots that touch on issues such as social injustice, the role of religion in society, and the relationship between love and suffering. The Brothers Karamazov is a complex and profound novel that explores the depths of human nature and the complexities of the human soul. Its characters are deeply flawed and complex, and the novel offers a rich exploration of their psychological motivations and inner conflicts. No. 29 in The Guardian's 100 Greatest Novels Of All Time. Part of the Encyclopaedia Britannica’s Great Books of the Western World set. This book has 351,288 words, and was originally published in 1880. This translation by Constance Garnett was first published in 1912. Production notes: This ebook of The Brothers Karamazov was published by Global Grey in 2019, and updated on the 12th April 2023. The artwork used for the cover is 'The Monk-Inok' by Konstantin Savitsky.
fyodor.dostoevsky
Poor Folk
"Poor Folk" is Fyodor Dostoevsky's debut novel, published in 1846. The story is presented in an epistolary format, consisting of letters exchanged between two impoverished characters, Makar Devushkin and Varvara Dobroselova. Through their correspondence, the novel explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the human condition. It delves into the struggles, hopes, and dreams of the lower class in 19th-century Russia, offering a poignant and empathetic look at their lives
fyodor.dostoevsky
The Possessed (The Devils)
Description The Possessed, also known as The Devils, is a novel written by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1872. Set in 19th-century Russia, the story revolves around a fictional town which experiences political and social turmoil as it becomes a breeding ground for radical ideologies and revolutionary movements. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each representing different aspects of Russian society. The protagonist, Nikolai Stavrogin, is a charismatic and enigmatic figure who captivates the town's inhabitants with his charm but remains emotionally detached and morally ambiguous. The central conflict arises when a group of disaffected intellectuals, known as the 'nechaevists', led by the passionate and fanatical Pyotr Verkhovensky, attempts to bring about a violent revolution in the town. Verkhovensky aims to dismantle traditional social structures and replace them with a nihilistic ideology, emphasizing destruction and chaos. As the nechaevist movement gains momentum, Skotoprigonyevsk descends into anarchy, with tragic consequences. An allegory of the potentially catastrophic consequences of the political and moral nihilism that were becoming prevalent in Russia in the 1860s, The Possessed is considered one of four masterpieces written by Dostoevsky after his return from Siberian exile. This book has 254,813 words, and was originally published in 1871-1872. This translation by Constance Garnett was first published in 1916. Production notes: This ebook of The Possessed (The Devils) was published by Global Grey in 2018, and updated on the 14th June 2023. The artwork used for the cover is 'Arrest of a Propagandist' by Ilya Repin.
fyodor.dostoevsky
The Double
"The Double" is a fascinating novella by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It tells the story of a government clerk, Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin, who encounters his doppelgänger—an exact replica of himself but with a completely opposite personality. As the doppelgänger gradually takes over his life, Golyadkin spirals into madness, exploring themes of identity, reality, and the fragility of the human psyche. Intriguing and unnerving in equal measure!
fyodor.dostoevsky
White Nights and Other Stories
is a collection of short stories by Dostoevsky. The title story, "White Nights," tells the tale of a solitary, dreamer who experiences a brief but intense romantic encounter during the white nights of Saint Petersburg. This story explores themes of loneliness, unrequited love, and the fleeting nature of happiness. The collection also includes other stories that delve into the complexities of the human soul, moral dilemmas, and the struggles of ordinary people. Dostoevsky's masterful storytelling and deep psychological insights make this a compelling read