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A Writer's Diary, Volume 2

1877-1881

By Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Kenneth A. Lantz (Translator)

(2)

| Paperback | 9780810115170

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2 Reviews

1 person find this helpful

Mr. Morson's introduction offers an intriguing hypothesis regarding the original intention of the Diary. Really superior essays from Dostoevsky, augmented by fantastic endnotes. Wonderful addition to the library of any fan of Dostoevsky.

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guaddess said on May 31, 2007 | Add your feedback

Not as good as volume one, the historical particularity of his subject matter in this volume focuses more on Russia's future role in Europe and what it means to be a Russian. However, there are still many gems in this volume ("The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" appears here, along with a fantastic sati ... (continue)

Not as good as volume one, the historical particularity of his subject matter in this volume focuses more on Russia's future role in Europe and what it means to be a Russian. However, there are still many gems in this volume ("The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" appears here, along with a fantastic satiric piece on bureaucracy.)
Dostoevsky shines most when he addresses universal issues, the state of humanity, rather than haranguing contemporary Europeanizers. But Dosty is ever a delight to read. (Except for his very misguided remarks addressed to "yiddism" - which, had he but lived a few months longer and witnessed the malevolent fruits of passive anti-semitism with the vicious pogroms which erupted after the attempt on the tsar's life in the spring of 1881, we hope he would have seen how truly pernicious even barely perceptible prejudice can be.)
All-in-all, though, the two-volumed "A Writer's Diary" is a must-have for any fan of the incomparable Dostoevsky. We see the man behind the novels - a passionate, great-hearted man whose works are more luminous for an acquaintance with the thoughts he cherished most deeply in his heart.

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guaddess said on Oct 26, 2007 | Add your feedback