Fyodor Dostoevsky
1821 - 1881
Born in Moscow, Russian Empire
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and journalist. Dostoevsky's literary works explore human psychology in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century Russia, and engage with a variety of philosophical and religious themes. His most acclaimed novels include Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), Demons (1872), and The Brothers Karamazov (1880). Dostoevsky's body of work consists of 12 novels, four novellas, 16 short stories, and numerous other works. Many literary critics rate him as one of the greatest novelists in all of world literature, as his works are often acknowledged as among the most influential novels of the 19th century.
“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart.”
Timeline
Born in Moscow, Russian Empire
Mother died of tuberculosis
Father died under mysterious circumstances
Graduated from the Military Engineering Institute
Published first novel "Poor Folk"
Arrested for involvement in the Petrashevsky Circle
Sentenced to death, later commuted to hard labor in Siberia
Released from prison camp
Returned to St. Petersburg
Published "Crime and Punishment"
Married Anna Grigoryevna Snitkina
Published "The Idiot"
Published "Demons"
Published "The Brothers Karamazov"
Died in St. Petersburg at age 59
Notable Quote
Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Influences
- Nikolai Gogol
- Charles Dickens
- Honoré de Balzac
- Christian theology
- Russian Orthodox spirituality
Achievements
- Considered one of the greatest novelists in world literature
- Pioneer of psychological realism
- Profound influence on 20th-century literature and philosophy
- Works translated into over 170 languages