Feodor Dostoevsky

Russian novelist and short story writer Born: October 30, 1821, in Moscow Died: January 28, 1881 DOSTOEVSKY began his writing career as a translator of works by BALZAC (EUGENIE GRANDET) and GEORGE SAND (LA DERNIERE ALDINI) into Russian. He published his first book, POOR FOLK, in 1846, followed soon after by THE DOUBLE and MR. PROKHARCHIN.

In 1849, he was arrested, convicted of alleged political crimes, and sentenced to death. At the last minute, he was given a reprieve and sentenced to hard labor in Siberia. While in Siberia, he began suffering epileptic seizures.

From 1854 to 1859, he served compulsory military service in Siberia, where he married MARYA DMITRIEVNA ISAEVA. After the military, he and his wife were allowed to return to European Russia. Throughout his years in prison and in the military, DOESTEVSKY continued to write. From 1861-63, he wrote for a publication called TIME, which was subsequently banned to be replaced by EPOCH, which he wrote for until 1865.

1847

1858

1862

"The main question, which will run through all parts of the novel, is the very one which has tormented me consciously and unconsciously all of my life -- the existence of God." FROM A LETTER TO A. N. MAIKOV, 1870

1878

In 1866, he published his classic, CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, and THE GAMBLER.

1872

Over the next 14 years, he continued writing and publishing such great works as THE IDIOT, THE ETERNAL HUSBAND, and, finally, his classic, THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV.

If you haven't read "CRIME AND PUNISHMENT," then you've missed one of the greatest books ever.

POSTSCRIPT "If you can't annoy somebody, there's little point in writing." KINGSLEY AMIS

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