Devils (Wordsworth Classics)

Name: Devils (Wordsworth Classics)
SKU: 9781840220995
Availability: OutOfStock

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Book Summary

With an Introduction by A.D.P. Briggs, translation by Constance Garnett. In 1869 a young Russian was strangled, shot through the head and thrown into a pond. His crime? A wish to leave small group of violent revolutionaries, from which he had become alienated. Dostoevsky takes this real-life catastrophe as the subject and culmination of Devils, a title that refers the young radicals themselves and also to the materialistic ideas that possessed the minds of many thinking people Russian society at the time. The satirical portraits of the revolutionaries, with their naivety, ludicrous single-mindedness and readiness for murder and destruction, might seem exaggerated – until we consider their all-too-recognisable descendants in the real world ever since. The key figure in the novel, however, is beyond politics. Nikolay Stavrogin, another product of rationalism run wild, exercises his charisma with ruthless authority and total amorality. His unhappiness is accounted for when he confesses to a ghastly sexual crime – in a chapter long suppressed by the censor. This prophetic account of modern morals and politics, with its fifty-odd characters, amazing events and challenging ideas, is seen by some critics as Dostoevskys masterpiece.

Language: English
Paperback: 720 pages
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd. (2010)
ISBN-10: 1840220996
ISBN-13: 9781840220995
Genre: Classics
Shipping Weight: 110 grams
Condition: New

Out of stock

SKU: 9781840220995 Categories: Books, Classics, English Books Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky

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Devils (Wordsworth Classics)

Devils (Wordsworth Classics) Book Description

Readers will step into the turbulent world of 1860s Russia with Devils (Wordsworth Classics). An introduction by A.D.P. Briggs and a faithful translation by Constance Garnett set the stage for Fyodor Dostoevsky’s powerful tale. The story begins with a young man brutally murdered after trying to leave a violent revolutionary circle. Dostoevsky uses this real tragedy to explore the destructive power of radical ideas that swept Russian society.

The novel paints satirical portraits of fanatic revolutionaries. Their naïve single‑mindedness and readiness for bloodshed feel exaggerated at first, yet they echo modern extremist movements. Meanwhile, the central character, Nikolay Stavrogin, embodies the danger of unchecked rationalism. He wields charisma with ruthless authority and shows no moral restraint. His confession to a horrific crime, hidden for years by censors, adds a chilling layer to the narrative.

Fans of classic literature will appreciate the novel’s rich cast of fifty‑odd characters. Throughout the pages, Dostoevsky weaves together politics, morality, and human psychology. Moreover, his vivid storytelling exposes the dark side of ideology and the fragility of freedom. Therefore, readers can experience a prophetic look at modern morals that still resonates today.

Key Features of Devils (Wordsworth Classics)

Inside this edition, you will find a durable paperback of 720 pages, perfect for both collectors and casual readers. Additionally, the Wordsworth Editions footnotes clarify archaic terms, making the text accessible without losing its original power. The translation by Constance Garnett captures the intensity of Dostoevsky’s prose while remaining clear for contemporary audiences.

Moreover, the book includes a comprehensive introduction that explains the historical context of the 1869 murder and the rise of revolutionary thought. This background helps readers understand why the “devils” of the title refer both to the radicals and to the materialistic ideas that possessed many minds at the time. The edition also provides bibliographic details such as ISBN‑10 1840220996 and ISBN‑13 9781840220995 for easy reference.

Why Read This Book?

Readers will discover why many critics call this novel Dostoevsky’s masterpiece. The story challenges you to question the limits of personal freedom and the consequences of extremist belief. It also offers a vivid glimpse into 19th‑century Russian society, allowing you to compare past and present struggles. Because the narrative blends suspense, philosophy, and drama, it keeps you engaged from the first page to the last.

Furthermore, the book’s exploration of morality remains relevant in today’s political climate. Whether you study literature, history, or psychology, you will find insights that deepen your understanding of human nature. Also, the paperback’s lightweight design (110 grams) makes it easy to carry on trips or to read in a quiet corner.

About This Book

Language: English
Paperback: 720 pages
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd. (2010)
ISBN‑10: 1840220996
ISBN‑13: 9781840220995
Genre: Classics
Shipping Weight: 110 grams
Condition: New

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