Author
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
1821-1881
Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Crime and Punishment
"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a novel published in 1866. It follows Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished former law student in Saint Petersburg who plans to murder an unscrupulous pawnbroker. He convinces himself that certain crimes are justifiable if committed by "extraordinary" men pursuing higher goals. Once the deed is done, however, he is consumed by confusion, paranoia, and guilt as his theoretical justifications crumble and he faces the internal and external consequences of his actions.
The Brothers Karamazov
"The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a novel published between 1879 and 1880. Set in 19th-century Russia, this passionate philosophical work explores profound questions of God, free will, and morality. The story revolves around the volatile Karamazov family: a disreputable father and his three sons—sensual Dmitri, intellectual Ivan, and idealistic Alyosha. As tensions escalate over inheritance and romantic entanglements, the novel delves into faith, doubt, and reason, with patricide at the heart of its dramatic plot.
White nights, and other stories
"White Nights and Other Stories" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a collection of short stories written in the mid-19th century. The title story, "White Nights," revolves around an unnamed narrator who leads a solitary life in St. Petersburg and unexpectedly finds connection with a mysterious young woman named Nastenka. The collection explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the complexities of human relationships through the lens of Dostoyevsky's profound psychological insight. At the start of "White Nights," the narrator describes his feelings of desolation as he wanders through St. Petersburg, reflecting on his profound loneliness as the city empties out for the summer. He encounters Nastenka, who is weeping at the canal, and in their interaction, a delicate bond begins to form. The narrator, filled with shyness, provides her a sense of safety in the face of an unwanted advance from a drunken gentleman. Their conversation reveals much about their longing for connection and inner turmoil, setting the stage for a passionate, albeit complex, relationship marked by unspoken emotions and dreams intertwined with reality. As the night unfolds, the narrator's infatuation with Nastenka deepens, but her heart seems already tethered to someone else, creating a poignant tension that is typical of Dostoyevsky's compelling storytelling.
Notes from the Underground
"Notes from the Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a novella published in 1864. This confession-style narrative follows a bitter, isolated former civil servant in St. Petersburg known as the Underground Man. Through philosophical monologues and personal anecdotes, he attacks determinism and utopian ideals, arguing that humans need suffering and irrationality to maintain freedom. He obsesses over past humiliations and social encounters, embracing spite and inaction while despising the rational self-interest that he believes has trapped him in unhappiness.
The Idiot
"The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a novel published serially in 1868–1869. It follows Prince Myshkin, a young nobleman whose Christian goodness and innocence lead worldly society to mistake him for simple-minded. Dostoevsky sets his "positively good and beautiful man" against the passions, desires, and egoism of contemporary Russian life, testing whether true Christian love can survive in a corrupt world. The result is a deeply personal work exploring profound moral and spiritual questions.
El crimen y el castigo
"El crimen y el castigo" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel first published in 1866. An impoverished former law student in Saint Petersburg plans to murder a pawnbroker, convincing himself that certain crimes are justifiable when committed by "extraordinary" men for higher purposes. But once the deed is done, he finds himself consumed by confusion, paranoia, and guilt. His theoretical justifications crumble as he confronts the internal and external consequences of his actions, plunging into profound mental anguish and moral turmoil.
The Grand Inquisitor
"The Grand Inquisitor" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a story within a story contained in his 1880 novel "The Brothers Karamazov". In this philosophical tale, Christ returns to Earth during the Spanish Inquisition and is arrested. The Grand Inquisitor confronts Him, arguing that the Church has improved upon Christ's work by rejecting human freedom in favor of bread, miracles, and earthly authority. Christ remains silent throughout, responding only with a mysterious kiss.
The possessed : $b or, The devils
"The Possessed: or, The Devils" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel first published in 1871–72. A fictional Russian town descends into chaos as conspirators attempt revolution, led by the cunning Pyotr Verkhovensky. Dominating the story is the mysterious aristocrat Nikolai Stavrogin, who exerts extraordinary influence over nearly everyone around him. This political satire and psychological drama explores the catastrophic consequences of nihilism taking hold in 1860s Russia, where destructive ideas possess individuals and threaten to consume an entire society.
Short Stories
"Short Stories" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a collection of narratives written in the late 19th century. The book includes tales that delve into human psychology, moral dilemmas, and social issues, exploring the complexities of character and society through various protagonists. Among the stories included is "An Honest Thief," which introduces a bachelor and his curious relationship with his housekeeper and a new lodger, revealing themes of empathy, loneliness and the nature of theft. At the start of the collection, the opening story begins with the narrator, a solitary bachelor, having an unexpected conversation with his usually quiet housekeeper, Agrafena. She insists on taking in a lodger, an old soldier named Astafy Ivanovitch, which initially fills the narrator with relief at the prospect of companionship. However, a theft of the narrator’s greatcoat soon creates tension between the characters, particularly Astafy, who becomes fixated on the incident, revealing his own vulnerability and moral struggles. This introduction sets the stage for Dostoyevsky's exploration of human relationships and the contradictions within them.
The Gambler
"The Gambler" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a short novel completed in 1866. Set in a German casino town, it follows Alexei Ivanovich, a young tutor working for an indebted Russian family awaiting a wealthy relative's death. Hopelessly in love with his employer's stepdaughter Polina, Alexei becomes drawn into the intoxicating world of roulette. The novel reflects Dostoyevsky's own struggles with gambling addiction, capturing the fevered psychology of risk, obsession, and the desperate pursuit of fortune at the gaming tables.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Fyodor Dostoevsky
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Fyodor Dostoevsky" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a comprehensive collection of the author's works compiled during the late 19th to early 20th century. This book serves as a catalog for readers, featuring various genres including novels, short stories, and philosophical writings. It likely encompasses Dostoevsky's exploration of deep themes such as morality, psychology, and the human condition through his diverse array of characters and settings. The index includes well-known masterpieces such as "Crime and Punishment," which follows the psychological turmoil of a young man after committing murder, and "The Brothers Karamazov," a philosophical novel focused on faith, doubt, and morality within a complex family dynamic. Additionally, it features shorter works like "Notes from Underground," where an isolated individual reflects on society and his place in it. Each entry in this compilation provides an insight into Dostoevsky's profound understanding of human nature, often delving into existential struggles, ethical dilemmas, and the impact of social conditions on individual lives.
The house of the dead : $b or, Prison life in Siberia
"The House of the Dead: or, Prison life in Siberia" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a semi-autobiographical novel published between 1860 and 1862. Based on Dostoyevsky's own four years in a Siberian labor camp, the work follows nobleman Aleksandr Petrovich Goryanchikov as he endures brutal conditions and hostility from fellow prisoners. Through vivid portrayals of convicts and their crimes, the narrator undergoes a spiritual transformation, discovering unexpected humanity among hardened criminals while exposing the tragic absurdity of prison life in Russia.
Stavrogin's Confession and The Plan of The Life of a Great Sinner With Introductory and Explanatory Notes
"Stavrogin's Confession and The Plan of The Life of a Great Sinner" by F. M. Dostoevsky is a fictional work written in the early 20th century, though it explores themes that resonate with the moral and existential dilemmas of the mid-19th century. This work combines an insightful confession from the troubled character Nikolai Stavrogin with a broader sketch of Dostoevsky's unwritten novel about a great sinner's life. The text delves deep into themes of guilt, redemption, and the psychological complexities of human nature. At the start of the narrative, Nikolai Vsevolodovich Stavrogin is introduced as a man grappling with profound inner turmoil and moral ambiguity. He has sleepless nights and finds himself in a state of unrest as he contemplates visiting Bishop Tikhon at a nearby monastery. The opening section details his encounters with various characters and the conflicting perceptions they hold of him, presenting a picture of a man increasingly haunted by his own past, specifically a dark episode connected to a young girl named Matryosha. As the narrative unfolds, its dramatic and introspective tone invites readers to explore the depths of Stavrogin's psyche and the existential questions surrounding sin, responsibility, and the search for understanding in the face of inescapable guilt.
Poor Folk
"Poor Folk" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a novel written between 1844 and 1845. Told through letters between two impoverished distant relatives, Makar Devushkin and Varvara Dobroselova, the story reveals their struggles with poverty in St. Petersburg. As they share books and support each other through hardship, an unusual friendship develops. When a wealthy widower proposes to Dobroselova, their bond faces its greatest test, forcing both characters to confront their circumstances and desires.
Sämtliche Werke 3-4 : $b Der Idiot
"Sämtliche Werke 3-4: Der Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book revolves around the character Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, who returns to Russia after a long absence in Switzerland. The narrative explores complex themes such as morality, society, and the nature of goodness through the interactions of Myshkin with various characters as he navigates life in St. Petersburg. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Prince as he arrives on a train to St. Petersburg amidst a cold and foggy atmosphere. En route, he engages in conversation with two other travelers, revealing his kind yet naive nature. The opening sections illustrate Myshkin’s peculiarities, including his physical appearance and social awkwardness, setting the stage for the ongoing exploration of his character and the reactions of those around him. The initial dialogues hint at Myshkin's past, his lack of wealth, and the surprising connections he has, particularly to a family of higher status, which foreshadows deeper social interactions and conflicts to come.
Sämtliche Werke 9-10 : $b Die Brüder Karamasoff
"Sämtliche Werke 9-10: Die Brüder Karamasoff" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores profound philosophical and theological questions through the lives of the Karamasoff family, particularly focusing on the three brothers: Dmitrij, Iwan, and Aljoscha. It dives into the themes of morality, faith, and the existential dilemmas facing humanity, making it one of Dostoyevsky's most celebrated works. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Karamasoff family, particularly their father, Fedor Pawlowitsch Karamasoff, an irresponsible and dissipated man who neglects his children. The story outlines the troubled dynamics within the family, hinting at the complex relationships that will unfold between the brothers, especially as each at different times grapples with familial loyalty and philosophical questions of faith and doubt. As they navigate their individual struggles, the foundation is laid for the existential and moral conflicts that define the narrative.
Sämtliche Werke 5-6 : $b Die Dämonen
"Sämtliche Werke 5-6: Die Dämonen" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story explores the themes of nihilism, morality, and societal upheaval in Russia, with a focus on various characters navigating the complex and tumultuous landscape of revolutionary ideas. The primary character introduced, Stepan Trophimowitsch Werchowenski, plays a significant role in the novel as he represents the struggles of intellectuals amid societal change. The opening of the novel presents a detailed introduction to Stepan Trophimowitsch, a somewhat eccentric figure obsessed with the idea of being a victim of fate and circumstance. The narrative reveals his past, including his tenure as a university lecturer and his varied literary ambitions. The text highlights his interactions with other characters and his longing for significance in a rapidly changing world, showcasing not only his personal struggles but also the broader existential dilemmas faced by society. The tone sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Dostoyevsky's critical examination of nihilism and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Uncle's Dream; and The Permanent Husband
"Uncle's Dream" and "The Permanent Husband" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The stories explore themes of social dynamics, personal relationships, and the intricacies of human psychology, typical of Dostoevsky's works. The opening story, "Uncle's Dream," introduces readers to the manipulative and influential figure of Maria Alexandrovna Moskaleva, a woman of high social standing in the town of Mordasoff, who expertly navigates gossip and scandal in her community. At the start of "Uncle's Dream," we meet Maria Alexandrovna, a character whose strong presence demands attention and respect, even if few actually love her. As the tale unfolds, it is revealed that her husband has been sent to the countryside due to his incompetence, allowing her to wield full control over social matters in the town. The story sets the stage for intriguing developments with the unexpected visit of Prince K---, which promises to upend the social order in Mordasoff, igniting Maria Alexandrovna’s ambitions and complicating her relationships with others, including her unmarried daughter, Zina. The opening portrays a blend of humor and social commentary, drawing readers into the complexities of provincial life and the characters’ interactions.
Der Großinquisitor
"Der Großinquisitor" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a philosophical parable written between 1878-1880 as part of his novel *The Brothers Karamazov*. In this profound chapter, one brother recounts an imagined encounter between Christ and the Grand Inquisitor during the Spanish Inquisition. The confrontation raises devastating questions about human freedom, faith, and authority. Through this dramatic dialogue, Dostoyevsky explores whether humanity truly desires the freedom Christ offers, or if people prefer comfortable submission to earthly power.
Sämtliche Werke 14 : $b Arme Leute; Der Doppelgänger : Zwei Romane
"Arme Leute" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story unfolds through a series of letters exchanged between Makar Alexejewitsch Djewuschkin and Warwara Alexejewna Dobrosseloff, two impoverished individuals navigating the struggles of life in St. Petersburg. This poignant epistolary tale explores themes of love, loneliness, and social class, reflecting Dostoyevsky's deep psychological insight and acute observation of human relationships. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Makar Djewuschkin, who expresses his joy over a small gesture from Warwara, indicating a budding connection between them. They share their everyday lives filled with hardship and a longing for affection, as Makar finds solace in the thought of Warwara despite their grim circumstances. The opening portion establishes a tone that mixes warmth with melancholy, showcasing their tender exchanges and the stark realities they face, setting the stage for a deeper examination of their relationship and the societal challenges that afflict them.
Sämtliche Werke 1-2 : $b Rodion Raskolnikoff (Schuld und Sühne)
"Sämtliche Werke 1-2: Rodion Raskolnikoff (Schuld und Sühne)" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a comprehensive novel written in the mid-19th century. This work is centered around the complex character of Rodion Raskolnikoff, a former student who grapples with his own moral dilemmas and societal views, culminating in a premeditated crime that he believes will elevate his status and lead to a greater purpose. The novel delves into existential questions about morality, justice, and redemption in a tense, oppressive environment reflective of St. Petersburg. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to Raskolnikoff in a state of turmoil; he emerges from his cramped, impoverished room into the sweltering heat of summer, overwhelmed by thoughts of his situation and the weight of his contemplated actions. He struggles with his identity and fears the judgment of others, especially as he navigates the streets and contemplates a visit to the home of an old pawnbroker. The opening sets a tone of psychological introspection, hinting at Raskolnikoff's desire to experiment with his theory about being a great man capable of transcending moral boundaries. As he approaches his destination, he exhibits increasing anxiety and paranoia, establishing the novel's thematic exploration of the human psyche's darker aspects.
Zápisky z mrtvého domu
"Zápisky z mrtvého domu" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a semi-autobiographical novel published between 1860 and 1862. Based on Dostoyevsky's own imprisonment in a Siberian labor camp, the work follows nobleman Aleksandr Petrovich Goryanchikov through ten years of hard labor among peasant convicts. Through carefully organized descriptions and encounters, the narrative traces his gradual spiritual awakening as he overcomes revulsion and discovers unexpected humanity within the brutal prison system. The novel portrays the absurd practices and savage punishments that mark both personal and national tragedy.
Sämtliche Werke 11 : $b Autobiographische Schriften
"Sämtliche Werke 11: Autobiographische Schriften" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a collection of autobiographical writings produced in the mid-20th century. This work delves into the life and experiences of the iconic Russian writer, recounting his formative years, his literary endeavors, and the trials he faced throughout his life. It comprises reflections on his childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, alongside glimpses into his thought processes and literary development. The opening of the collection sets the stage by introducing Dostoyevsky through the context of his childhood and family life. The narrative begins with historical details about his birth and illuminates key memories from his early years, illustrating the relationship he had with his family, particularly the influence of his parents and siblings. It also highlights his upbringing, his education, and the significant impact of his household dynamics on his character formation. The opening thus serves as an intimate portrait of the man's early life, laying a foundation for understanding the deeper insights and themes he explored in his later literary works.
Der Doppelgänger
"Der Doppelgänger" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novella published in 1846. It follows Yakov Golyadkin, a timid Petersburg clerk whose life unravels when a mysterious double suddenly appears. As the doppelgänger gradually displaces him from his social and professional positions, Golyadkin descends into madness, unable to distinguish reality from delusion. While the original struggles, his double achieves the success he dreams of, leading to a devastating conclusion in a psychiatric institution.