Fyodor Dostoevsky

Legacy: the Artists Behind the Legends

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist, short story writer, journalist, essayist, and philosopher active during the 19th century. His writing focused on a multitude of topics that stemmed from a constant study on human psychology during a time in Russia filled with political, social, and religious upheaval, though to give some perspective on his literary impact, Dostoevsky’s books have been translated into more that 170 languages. His best known novel, Crime and Punishment, is said to have been ‘the only thing read in 1866’, and while critics didn’t love it then, this book firmly established Dostoevsky as one of the greatest writers of his time. Along with many of his fellow Russians, Dostoevsky had a relatively tumultuous existence from the day he was born until the day he died: he was an epileptic, his father was believed to be murdered by his own serfs, he was imprisoned, nearly executed and exiled, AGAIN imprisoned in absolutely horrifying conditions, survived a number of wives and illicit affairs, battled a very serious gambling addiction, and then, of course, comes his career as a writer whose ideals were centered on the people of Russia, and their potential on a global landscape. He also was a very picky black tea drinker, a devout Eastern Orthodox Christian, and of course, loved him some vodka. So let’s get started shall we, and dive right on into the life of Fyodor Dostoevsky.