Constance Garnett Libri

In this classic work, Dostoyevsky creates an intimacy that is claustrophobic, full of tension, and as haunting and relentless as a love affair. Begun as a novel concerned with the psychology of a crime and the processes of guilt, it surpasses itself to take on the tragic force of myth.

Quando, nel 1859, Dostoevskij ottenne il permesso di rientrare dalla deportazione nella Russia europea, aveva bisogno di qualcosa di clamoroso per riaffermare la propria posizione nel panorama letterario dell’epoca. Fu così che nella primavera del 1860 si dedicò alla stesura di un roman-feuilleton pieno di situazioni estreme, spregiudicate, delle quali si parlava con relativa disinvoltura, incentrate sul tema della fanciulla offesa e vittima di individui senza scrupoli. Sedotte e abbandonate: questo è il destino delle donne in Umiliati e offesi. Ma anche maledette dai propri padri.

Il principe Myskin, ultimo erede di una grande famiglia decaduta, è una creatura spiritualmente superiore, la cui «idiozia» consiste in un'assoluta mancanza di volontà e in una fede assoluta negli altri. Dopo un lungo soggiorno in Svizzera, al ritorno in patria si trova coinvolto in un vortice di storie d'amore vissute con passione torbida e violenta, che hanno come protagonisti il giovane Rogozin, la bellissima Nastas'ja e l'aristocratica Aglaja. Un'intricatissima sequenza di avvenimenti, raccontati con ritmo incalzante, in cui sfocia un'immensa mole di materiale: da Cristo alla cronaca giudiziaria russa, dall'Apocalisse alla polemica con il socialismo.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky was born on November 11, 1821, and was introduced to literature early in life, with his mother teaching him to read and write using the Bible. His literary immersion was profound, fueled by his parents' nightly readings. Tragedy struck in 1837 when his mother died of tuberculosis, and he and his brother were enrolled at the Nikolayev Military Engineering Institute, where Dostoyevsky found little interest in military studies, preferring drawing and architecture. His father's death in 1839 may have triggered his epilepsy, yet he persevered, eventually becoming an engineer cadet. His first completed work, a translation of Balzac's "Eugénie Grandet," was published in 1843 but failed commercially. He then wrote "Poor Folk," which was a success, followed by "The Double," which received poor reviews and exacerbated his health issues. Involved in socialist circles, Dostoyevsky faced arrest in 1849 for distributing banned works, leading to a death sentence commuted to four years of hard labor in Siberia. His prison experiences inspired "The House of the Dead," published in 1861. He later completed "The Gambler" in just 26 days. Despite continued health decline, including a diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema, he published "Demons" in 1873. Dostoyevsky died on February 9, 1881, after suffering multiple pulmonary hemorrhages.

A collection of one novella and six short stories - The Gambler, Bobok, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, A Christmas Party and a Wedding, A Nasty Story and The Meek One.

“Tutte le famiglie felici si somigliano; ogni famiglia infelice lo è a modo proprio” “Qual è il vero peccato di Anna, quello che non si può perdonare e che la fa consegnare alla vendetta divina? È la sua prorompente vitalità, che cogliamo in lei fin dal primo momento, da quando è appena scesa dal treno di Pietroburgo, il suo bisogno d’amore, che è anche inevitabilmente repressa sensualità; è questo il suo vero, imperdonabile peccato. Una scoperta allusione alla sotterranea presenza nel suo inconscio della propria colpevolezza è il sogno, minaccioso come un incubo che ritorna spesso nel sonno o nelle veglie angosciose, del vecchio contadino che rovista in un sacco borbottando, con l’erre moscia, certe sconnesse parole in francese: Il faut le battre le fer, le broyer, le pétrir [...]. Il ferro che il vecchio contadino vuole battere, frantumare, lavorare, cioè distruggere, è la stessa vitalità, il desiderio sessuale, l’amore colpevole e scandaloso di Anna; e così essa lo sente e lo intende come la colpa che la condanna[...]. Ed è quel vecchio a farle improvvisamente comprendere cosa deve fare: distruggere quella vitalità, e cioè distruggere se stessa per espiare la sua colpa.” Dalla Postfazione di Gianlorenzo Pacini

The novel explores the tumultuous relationship between 19-year-old Arkady Dolgoruky and his father, the notorious landowner Versilov, as Arkady returns to St. Petersburg after years at boarding school. As he navigates the complexities of his family's scandalous affairs, the story delves into deep psychological, emotional, and moral conflicts, reflecting the intricacies of the human condition. Dostoyevsky's rich characterizations and themes make this work a significant contribution to literature, showcasing the author's profound understanding of human nature.

Presented here in a masterful new translation by Michael Pursglove, this landmark collection established the literary reputation of the author, who considered it his most significant contribution to Russian literature, and is universally regarded as a milestone in the Russian realist tradition.

In queste pagine Dostoevskij lascia libero corso alle sue affascinanti fantasie, dando vita a un' opera equilibratissima e ricca di una fresca comicità.

Brand-new translation of one of Turgenevs major novels, includes pictures and an extensive section on Turgenevs life and works.

This classic Russian novel has it all: murder, suspense, passion, struggle, and redemption. Originally published in 1866, Crime and Punishment is a psychological thriller that deals with issues of morality, conscience, and redemption. Widely considered to be one of the greatest novels written in any language, this novel explores the life of Rodin Raskolnikov, a young Russian man who robs and murders a pawnbroker to save himself from a life of poverty. As a consequence, he must deal with the oppressive mental anguish of being a criminal while attempting to maintain relationships with his friends and family.

Youth rebels. It was true in Russia in 1862 when Fathers & Sons appeared. At its center stands Evgeny Bazarov, medical student, doctor's son & nihilist. Bazarov rejects authority, all so-called truths based on faith rather than science & experience. His ideas bring him into conflict with his best friend, recent graduate Arkady Kirsanov, with Arkady's family, with his own parents & eventually with his emotions when he falls in love with the beautiful Madame Odintsova.