The Dostoevsky Encyclopedia

by Kenneth Lantz

One of the greatest writers of all time, Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) is best known for such masterpieces as Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov . His works are widely read and studied today, and he has received much biographical and critical attention. Like many other writers of enduring literature, he engages timeless moral and theological issues. His writings and ideas are complex and reflect the swirling political and intellectual controversies of his time. This encyclopedia is a convenient and comprehensive guide to his life and writings.

Through more than 200 alphabetically arranged entries, this reference details his life and career. Each of his fictional works is discussed, as are his major pieces of journalism. There are also entries for his family members, close friends and associates, places where he lived, literary movements with which he is associated, and journals or newspapers in which he published. Also included are entries for major writers and thinkers who influenced his works, and for ideas and themes that figure prominently in his writings. The entries cite works for further reading, and the encyclopedia closes with a selected, general bibliography of major works.

Genres: Russia

536 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2004

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a few years when I was nothing short of addicted to Fyodor Dostoevsky. This book provides a thorough portrait of the man and his work. I learned a ton about his life and literature, and I really believe that a Dostoevsky biopic would be one heck of a movie--provided they cast Gary Oldman as Dostoevsky :). Honestly, Fyodor had easily the most depressing life out of any writer I've read about; his tragedies rival Poe's, who is pretty hard to outdo in the depressing biography department.

This is a great book for anyone interested in Dostoevsky, Russian literature, or Russian history. This is a also a great way for anyone to become acclimated with Dostoevsky's works and have a full comprehension of what into his writing. Great resource.