Abstract

Dostoievsky

This article briefly discusses two books. The books are "A Great Russian Realist: Feodor Dostoieffsky," by J.A.T. Lloyd and "The Brothers Karamazov," by Fyodor Dostoievsky. Lloyd's biographical study has been followed within a few weeks by the first volume of what is planned to be a complete and unabridged translation of the novels of Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoievsky. Dostoievsky's popularity during the last twenty years, has undergone a sharp decline outside of Russia. Of all his books "Crime and Punishment" has remained fairly familiar. The earlier chapters of Lloyd's book arouse misgiving. They are badly planned. Before the writer has laid his foundation of fact he is busy framing estimates and conclusions. One might as well be frank and admit that Dostoievsky in the book "The Brothers Karamazov," frequently loses himself in the meshes of his own word spinning. The personality of his men and women is in danger of being diluted in the verbal flow. There are in "The Brothers Karamazoff" pages of extraordinary depth and poignancy.