Notes from Underground & The House of the Dead (eBook)

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) remains one of the most profound and celebrated figures in world literature. Born in Moscow, Russia, Dostoyevsky was the second of seven children. After a brief stint at the St. Petersburg Academy of Military Engineering, Dostoyevsky devoted himself fully to writing. His early literary pursuits produced the novel 'Poor Folk', but it was his later works that cemented his place in the halls of literary canon. 'Notes from Underground' (1864) is widely considered to be one of the first existentialist novels, wherein he explores the ramblings and introspections of an unnamed narrator, deviating from traditional narrative forms and delving into the psychology of an individual facing the absurdity of life. 'The House of the Dead' (1861) is a semi-autobiographical novel that draws from Dostoyevsky's own harrowing experiences in a Siberian labor camp, following his involvement with the Petrashevsky Circle and his subsequent arrest. Dostoyevsky's literary style is characterized by deep psychological insight, an exploration of philosophical themes, and a profound understanding of the human condition, often set against the backdrop of 19th century Russian society. His works, exploring themes of free will, morality, and redemption, continue to influence and resonate with readers and scholars around the globe.