Guide to reading Dostoevsky: 1. Learn Russian. 2. Acquire a Phd in Russian history (specializing in the late 19th century). 3. Read all of the works Dostoevsky published between the years of 1844-1849. 4. Move to Siberia for four years. 5. Convert to easter Orthodoxy. 6. Read the rest of Dostoevsky's works (including his articles in "diary of a writer") in chronological order until you reach the Brothers K. 7. Read all of Nikolai Fyodor's works. 8. Read Brother's K. 9. Resurrect your ancestors.
I would argue that reading a novella such as The Double gives you a taste into his literary style. Not everybody can dive head first into Crime and Punishment although it is a book that must be read-no doubt.
Russian novella is seriously underrated! At least by the modern reader. The Death of Ivan Ilyich is quite excellent, far more approachable than War and Peace...
@@Jiggelmeister I don't agree with you at all. He studies the schizoaffective disorder extensively without having any psychiatric or psychological knowledge which is a hallmark of his characters, not to mention that Sylvia Plath wrote her thesis on this very novella. But hey, we can all have different opinions.
Also the ''correct'' order, if you are interested in his personal life and his political ideas, which can be found in many of his characters, I recommend you to read his published journals!!
Same. Bothers first followed by NFU and next on my list is the Idiot. I agree with the other commenter, since they’re not a series there isn’t really a right order. Not being a Russian speaker alot of the names were tricky to read so maybe one of the shorter books would be a good choice for someone’s first one
I read all of Dostoevsky's works and this order is what I find most suitable. I find that reading C&P first and NFU second is a mistake because NFU feels more like an intro to Dostoevsky. C&P is already a polyphonic complete novel, NFU on the other had is a short novella with only one dominant voice which is the underground man's. 1. Notes From Undeeground An intro to Dostoevsky's series of "underground" characters, social views, and understanding of the human psyche. 2. Crime and Punishment Dostoevsky's psychological and philosophical dive into the human condition and religious faith. 3. The Idiot This is the novel that is closest to Dostoevsky's personal convictions. 4. Demons An allegory of the potential harm that nihilism can cause. 5. Brothers Karamazov This is pretty much Dostoevsky's last and most complete philosophical dialogue.
Which translation should I read, I’ve C&P and then notes from the underground. But I lost notes and am not sure which translation to get. Which one would u recommend?
do u think it would pose an issue if i were to read the brothers karamazov first? i tried and failed reading c&p, and im aware this very well could be even more heavy and painful to get through, but i thought perhaps since its a murder mystery it could be less mundane. tbh i think it might be an interesting approach to plunge into a deeply philosophical, heavy book rather than starting slow, but since you seem to have a lot of knowledge as to the nature of each of his books i thought i’d ask whether reading the brothers karamazov first is the completely wrong way of approaching dostoevsky. it’s just that i’ve already bought the book and i’m quite drawn to it based on what i’ve heard
@@maryamel-hashimi1292 I’ve read c&p and tbh didn’t find it too hard, but I’m really struggling with “the brothers” . If you’re looking for a philosophical one I really recommend “Notes from the Underground” I’ll think it will really shock you in way you want suspect. It’s short and easier to read.
@@maryamel-hashimi1292 It is completely fine to read any book by Dostoevsky as your first. To be honest, reading Brothers Karamazov first has its own benefits, there are pros and cons to reading The Brothers Karamazov first, but I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons. The arrangement I recommend is only for those who would like to understand him deeply and quickly or to read him in a very organized manner. What you have to keep in mind is that the primary reason for most Dostoevsky reading order is that Dostoevsky repeats components of his novels and poses repeating philosophical problems and explores them through his narratives. One would be able to notice this quickly and easily if one would adhere to my proposed reading order. An example of this is his "underground" characters which exhibits very similar traits, starting with the underground man.
Does order matters? I'm new to dostoevsky's works and I wanna start off by Notes from the underground, should crime and punishment be the first in any case?
@@anidiot6396 I don't know, it's a novel that made me read Dostoevsky, and made me a reader really, so it's one that 30 years after stayed very close to my heart. It's beautiful and emotional, so I'd say it is "appropriate" but that depends what you want to get from it. I will recommend it always :). If you read it, comment here, so I know if you loved it 😉
I read A Gentle Creature, then White Nights, now I'm reading Brothers Karamozov. It's really good so far. I'll probably read Crime and Punishment or The Idiot next.
I tried reading Crime and Punishment but since I'm not that accomplished a reader I found myself taking to long tripping over all the Russian names in my head. I listened to the audiobook instead and loved it.
I started with “The Brothers Karamazov”. The Russian names drove me nuts initially, not only the pronunciation but there’s like three different names for the same character. But I got through it because the story and writing is amazing.
@@coloredgentleman Yeah the multiple names are tricky. I listened to The Brothers Karamazov shortly after posting my comment, loved it, will be checking out The Idiot next year.
@@Toooldiguess the only actual book that I owned right now and probably the best so far (aside the old translation) was by Michael katz but perhaps I need to read the other translation too😅
I tried to read it but I dont like trageic,depress or bad endings book. But I loved the tragic love of natahs and primce andrei in War and Peace. Can you recommend me some fyodor books that you think I may enjoy.
And don't forget the short story "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man"! One of the last things Dostoevsky wrote, shortly before The Brothers Karamazov. It's almost like a prelude to The Brothers Karamazov. And its main is the same main theme running throughout all of Dostoevsky's works, at least inasmuch as there can be said to be a main theme running throughout all his works.
Agreed, it's the first thing I recommend to anyone starting their Dostoevsky journey! Following it with Notes from Underground is brilliant too, The Ridiculous Man and The Underground Man are a perfect look at two people going down two different paths. After those two then either White Nights or Crime and Punishment :)
@@jaye2491 Good points! I also want to add that when it comes to Dostoevsky - maybe more than any other Russian writer since his style is so riveting and gripping yet jagged and frenetic like a stranger walking down the street who suddenly grabs you by the arm and starts shouting at you but in an actually very intelligent and exciting way - it's hard to get him across in English, hence a good translation of his works is very helpful. My personal favorite for Crime and Punishment is Oliver Ready and Michael Katz. Also, Katz has done most of Dostoevsky's major works except for The Idiot (though Katz told me he's currently working on translating The Idiot now). Also Constance Garnett is old but free, and she really holds up, but it's probably best to get a revised or updated version of Garnett's translation to iron out her deficiencies from the early 1900s. For example, I really like The Brothers Karamazov originally translated by Garnett and updated by Susan McReynolds Oddo in the Norton Critical Edition.
@@philtheo yes so true! One piece of advice I am so glad I took at the beginning of my Russian literature journey was to ensure you find the best translation for you, and I agree wholeheartedly with Katz as the top of the list, his translations of Karamazov and Crime and Punishment are my favourites, and his translation Notes from Underground is probably my favourite as well I'd say. I haven't read his Demons, and that's exciting to know he is in the process of The Idiot! Have you spoken to him personally have you?? :) I have always loved the Penguin Classics translations overall too, McDuff is also a favourite of mine, although even being a native speaker of English I needed to look up a few of the mid-20th century translation choices. I have over 40 Dostoevsky related books on the shelf now (including 8 Karamazovs haha!), he just connects with me like no other author :)
@@jaye2491 Wow, awesome, I completely agree with everything you said! 😊 In fact, I couldn't agree more, what you said totally resonates with me too! Oh yes, I did speak with Katz recently, maybe a few weeks ago at most? He also said (half seriously, half with tongue planted in cheek, I think) that he hopes his translations of all of Dostoevsky's major works will replace the far more popular (but also, sorry to say, worse) translations by Pevear and Volokhonsky. I hope so too because Katz is just great and my favorite, though I recognize there are other good ones like McDuff too! I have only ever read excepts from McDuff though, not the whole books, but what I read I liked too. I think Ignat Avsey is also pretty good, maybe a bit loose here and there for my tastes, bit overall still good. Unfortunately I think he only ever did TBK and The Idiot though before he passed away. But I'm glad he did those two at least. 😊
@@jaye2491 By the way, I also really love Penguin Classics editions too! I don't think I have as many as you, but I do have quite a few. I usually love their introductions and notes. Usually their introductions are so helpful to me! I love their black spines too, they look so nice on my shelf. Someday hopefully I can build a good Penguin Classics collection! I don't know if you know him, but there's a channel by an older man and literary critic named Steve Donoghue who does something he calls his Daily Penguin (or at least he used to do it, not sure if he still does now, but I only recently found his channel, so I've been watching his series and going through his Daily Penguin videos). They're really often insightful and at least they make me want to read the books. Plus I've found a few books I had never heard of thanks to Steve Donoghue. Anyway I recommend him from what I've seen so far if you love books! 😊
THANK YOU I was looking all over the internet for what order to present the books in. Dostoyevsky changed my life and I wanted to introduce his books in literature class but didn’t know what to start with. I settled on Crime and Punishment and it seems like you came to the same conclusion. Thanks again!!!
Definitely start with notes from the underground, short and gets to the point of what makes him so unique and great. I read that first then notes from a dead house. Sounds weird but those are the first two I’d recommend…then get to his long novels
This is Netochka Nezvanova erasure; it's honestly my second fave after C&P. Some people might mind that it was never finished, but imo it's also a good entry point for beginners because it's short and less dense, while also still being a really compelling story.
I read Crime And Punishment, The Idiot, and then The Brothers Karamazov. I'm good for now. I may come back around for Notes From The Underground and Demons at some point. I'm in no rush. I enjoyed what I read, but it takes a certain mindset and mood for me to digest his writing
I recommend the Gambler. It was the first Dostoevsky book i read all the way through. Its relatively short compared to the other works and I thought it was very thought provoking.
I just started reading Dostoevsky and have decided to start with The Brothers Karamazov, which from everything Im hearing seems to be his magnum opus. I hope this wont ruin the experience, im enjoying the book a lot so far.
I’m definitely rereading notes from the underground. At the time, it was for a school project and I think I didn’t grasp it fully. At 23 I’m definitely more mature
I started with crime and punishment and loved it instantly but didn't finish it (I have a problem with finishing things/books/projects). Then I picked up the brothers karamasov (and actually finished it) and now I'm reading notes from the underground, I also read half of the idiot. I have to start again and do it in this order this time. Dostojewski is my favorite author of all time. So far, noone's impressed me this much.
That's the one I started with. My mother still had her copy (which she never finished) from college. I picked it up in 10th grade. I read Notes from the Underground Man in college. I have since aquired both The Idiot and Crime and Punishment but they are still in the tbr pile.
@@kohakuaiko so you didn’t grasp it fully? I’ve heard ppl say to wait. I’m 21 and plan on reading after I finish a few others. I hear after all other authors are ruined
@jaredfaulkner2202 I don't think anyone can the first time. I was reading a borrowed copy so I couldn't make notes in the margins. Sometime I'm going to sit down with both a hard copy and the LibriVox audio and revisit Alyosha and Ivan's devil. Mitya was... Mitya.
Notes from the Underground is a much better starting point than Crime and Punishment, imo. It gives a taste of his work without too much investment, and the first half lays out the themes of much of his future work very explicitly
I read all of these books in almost the same order; just switched the order of The Idiot and Demons. Still my favorite author to date. I initially read all these books in about 9 months, and I continue to go back and read one or two every couple of years.
Dostoevsky is my favorite writer for all the time I started reading him when i was a teen and I can’t get over how is a genius man how he can Describe human soul very well
I’d maybe consider reading “The Grand Inquisitor” chapter of “The Brothers Karamazov” (widely available as a short book) first just to give a quick taste of what’s to come. And it’s great.
I read Notes from the Deadhouse while in college and liked it. I read the first volume of Brothers Karamazov published by Progress Publishers, have not read the second.
I started with white nights, no his best but an easy read. Then notes from the underground, incredible one. Then crime and punishment, still continuing on the journey!
Ive first red Notes from the Underground after that White nights and now I am reading The Idiot. All of them are extremely good but until now I liked white nights the most.
Not so long ago I purchased "Notes from a Dead House", and it's an amazing book! Never read Dostoyevsky before, but wanted to for many years. I don't live in Russia, and I didn't want to read his books in English. I wanted to read him in original Russian (my mother tongue).
Good rule of thumb if you dont know in which order to read books of any author is simply to read them by publishing year. Start first with his early works and move on and follow his development as a writer.
I read "The Player" first. In-tune with geopolitics, a bit of history, and the late era of the setting, I got every single nod to each peoples' attitudes. It was fun, what can I say? Also, maybe the origin of "simp protag."
My suggestion to anyone who want to start reading Dostoyevsky is "Dreams of a ridiculous man". A short masterpiece that gives a taste of his work in 25 pages.
I’ve started crime and punishment and I’m new to reading literature in general. Is there anything I should be doing to understand it better / to get more value out of it?
Stick to it. The middle is a little tedious even though there's no filler in it. It gets insanely good in the last 200 pages. Try to keep track of all the information you get. All of it is important. Look up the original meanings of the characters' names, too, as they have meaning. It gets convoluted, so a reread can help your understanding of it. Keep a list of character names on hand as names are very important in it.
The Idiot was the first book I read by Dostoyevsky - and that was many years ago, as a teenager. Have started Crime and Punishment but am reading it sporadically. I’ll check out these others as well - but probably not in the order the video advises.
And now, I'm curious about what these books did for you. I mean, what do they talk about? Can they help someone to improve his life in some or another way ?
I did: Brothers Karamazov Crime and Punishment The Idiot White Nights. Brothers Karamazov was a very heavy way to start, but i am absolutely hooked onto these books.
Counterargument for engagements sake: the main reason for the scadutree fragments is to more properly reward exploration compared to Elden ring. In the base game, exploration was really inherently interesting but was dampened a bit because the rewards for most things (once you settled into a certain build) were not that useful because there was so much variety. Therefore people were less inclined to take on the less obvious paths or challenging side content because they knew it probably wouldn’t reward their character. For this game FromSoft really has leaned into the philosophy of exploring the world (as their first open world game) and making that exploration really fun and satisfying, so it makes sense to modify their approach to the fragment system for the DLC. They want the player to experience that sense of wonder and discovery again that they first experienced when the base game was released, as that’s what Elden Ring is about for them. This is really bolstered by the new balance patch-by making the scadutree fragments stronger, you have to find less and it’s less frustrating, but if you really want to maximize your character (which isn’t that necessary), there’s a chance that any nook and cranny you enter, and the subsequent challenges you willingly take on, can put you on the path to being stronger. To summarize, Elden Ring (and the DLC) is a game in which you can run past everything and beat the game-it’s designed that way on purpose. FromSoft’s task is to give you that option, but prove to you that actually engaging with the game and world that they meticulously built is worth it. While there can be some improvements (like having a surplus of fragments) but overall I think it makes total sense with their philosophy.
Почему-то все игнорируют «Униженные и оскорблённые». Мне кажется, именно с этого романа стоит начинать изучение Достоевского, так как именно этот роман относительно простой для начинающих читателей. (Только если вдруг начнёте чтение этого романа, обязательно посмотрите пару видео по типу «Санкт-Петербург 4к» для понимания атмосферы. Моя знакомая иностранка была очень благодарна за этот совет)
White Nights was my first Dostoevsky book, and it was one of my first looks into classic literature. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart!
same here! Now Dostoevsky is my favorite author
White nights at Freddy's
Wonderful short story.
sameee
I wanted to read Dostoevsky, found only white night available in library, thus my first
Guide to reading Dostoevsky:
1. Learn Russian.
2. Acquire a Phd in Russian history (specializing in the late 19th century).
3. Read all of the works Dostoevsky published between the years of 1844-1849.
4. Move to Siberia for four years.
5. Convert to easter Orthodoxy.
6. Read the rest of Dostoevsky's works (including his articles in "diary of a writer") in chronological order until you reach the Brothers K.
7. Read all of Nikolai Fyodor's works.
8. Read Brother's K.
9. Resurrect your ancestors.
Yeah ok
Bhwaaa so cool 😝
I think you forgot going to jail for a while ;))
@@gokhanozmen7491 I think thats 4.
@@myaccount0000 Yes, I see that he was in prison for 4 years in Siberia but moving to Siberia without going to jail ever wouldn't cut it for me 😀
I would argue that reading a novella such as The Double gives you a taste into his literary style. Not everybody can dive head first into Crime and Punishment although it is a book that must be read-no doubt.
Russian novella is seriously underrated! At least by the modern reader. The Death of Ivan Ilyich is quite excellent, far more approachable than War and Peace...
Welp. I just placed my order of Crime and Punishment and I've never read any books outside of school..
Nah the Double sucks. Bro stole it from Gogol's the nose. I dont even think Dostoevsky liked it himself. Notes from Underground is a way better start.
@@Jiggelmeister I don't agree with you at all. He studies the schizoaffective disorder extensively without having any psychiatric or psychological knowledge which is a hallmark of his characters, not to mention that Sylvia Plath wrote her thesis on this very novella. But hey, we can all have different opinions.
@@Greenwood13 You really gonna put The Double over Notes from Underground??
1 Crime and Punishment
2 Notes from the underground
3 Demons
4 The Idiot
5 The brothers Karamzov.
Good job
Literally doing reverse order right now
Correct ..I did the same
@@Juanrico-ef1zkdid the same...
@user295. REASAAAAAAARRRRRGGHHHHHHHH
Then there's me who read The Brothers Karamazov then Notes From Underground then White Nights and now Crime and Punishment 😅
Also the ''correct'' order, if you are interested in his personal life and his political ideas, which can be found in many of his characters, I recommend you to read his published journals!!
Same. I am reading Brothers Karamazov right now. Really invested and don't want to switch. 😅
there's no right order to read it.
Same. Bothers first followed by NFU and next on my list is the Idiot. I agree with the other commenter, since they’re not a series there isn’t really a right order. Not being a Russian speaker alot of the names were tricky to read so maybe one of the shorter books would be a good choice for someone’s first one
Just commenting because The Brothers was also my first, followed by NFTU, Demons and now finally reading C&P
I read all of Dostoevsky's works and this order is what I find most suitable. I find that reading C&P first and NFU second is a mistake because NFU feels more like an intro to Dostoevsky. C&P is already a polyphonic complete novel, NFU on the other had is a short novella with only one dominant voice which is the underground man's.
1. Notes From Undeeground
An intro to Dostoevsky's series of "underground" characters, social views, and understanding of the human psyche.
2. Crime and Punishment
Dostoevsky's psychological and philosophical dive into the human condition and religious faith.
3. The Idiot
This is the novel that is closest to Dostoevsky's personal convictions.
4. Demons
An allegory of the potential harm that nihilism can cause.
5. Brothers Karamazov
This is pretty much Dostoevsky's last and most complete philosophical dialogue.
Which translation should I read, I’ve C&P and then notes from the underground. But I lost notes and am not sure which translation to get. Which one would u recommend?
@@Harry._.Thompsonthe Pevear & Volokhonsky translations are amazing and widely available
do u think it would pose an issue if i were to read the brothers karamazov first? i tried and failed reading c&p, and im aware this very well could be even more heavy and painful to get through, but i thought perhaps since its a murder mystery it could be less mundane. tbh i think it might be an interesting approach to plunge into a deeply philosophical, heavy book rather than starting slow, but since you seem to have a lot of knowledge as to the nature of each of his books i thought i’d ask whether reading the brothers karamazov first is the completely wrong way of approaching dostoevsky. it’s just that i’ve already bought the book and i’m quite drawn to it based on what i’ve heard
@@maryamel-hashimi1292 I’ve read c&p and tbh didn’t find it too hard, but I’m really struggling with “the brothers” .
If you’re looking for a philosophical one I really recommend “Notes from the Underground” I’ll think it will really shock you in way you want suspect.
It’s short and easier to read.
@@maryamel-hashimi1292 It is completely fine to read any book by Dostoevsky as your first. To be honest, reading Brothers Karamazov first has its own benefits, there are pros and cons to reading The Brothers Karamazov first, but I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons. The arrangement I recommend is only for those who would like to understand him deeply and quickly or to read him in a very organized manner. What you have to keep in mind is that the primary reason for most Dostoevsky reading order is that Dostoevsky repeats components of his novels and poses repeating philosophical problems and explores them through his narratives. One would be able to notice this quickly and easily if one would adhere to my proposed reading order. An example of this is his "underground" characters which exhibits very similar traits, starting with the underground man.
The Gambler is underrated. It was my first Dostoevsky book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I agree. In my opinion, it should be on the mandatory list.
Does order matters? I'm new to dostoevsky's works and I wanna start off by Notes from the underground, should crime and punishment be the first in any case?
Fyodor Dostoevsky published 15 books.
Unfortunately, most people only focus on 5-6 of them.
My first Dostoevsky was The Insulted and Humiliated, never saw anyone mention it on booktube, ever
@@kiki-vg5zc That´s a great one!!
@@kiki-vg5zc Should I read it? I've never read any of Dostoevsky's books before, and I'm not sure what's an appropriate starter.
@@anidiot6396 I don't know, it's a novel that made me read Dostoevsky, and made me a reader really, so it's one that 30 years after stayed very close to my heart. It's beautiful and emotional, so I'd say it is "appropriate" but that depends what you want to get from it. I will recommend it always :). If you read it, comment here, so I know if you loved it 😉
Dostoevsky has more than 30 works
Nice recommendations, but I'm going to read him chronologically. That way I can see his style and skill grow with each passing entry.
what beautiful editions you have
Literally read them in reverse😂
Same 😅
doing that rn lmao
Same
Yeah, that’s the better way, in my opinion. 😂
same
I read brothers karamzov first and it was what got me obsessed with Dostoevsky
Crime and punishment
Reminds me about BSD ANIME’s Fyodor 🖤
it reminds me of dazai idk why
@@shiikhxa__14 oh lol maybe bcoz he’s very famous
@@freezyyyy- no Fyodor's too? I was talking bout bsd dazai when he was of 15
@@shiikhxa__14 Oohh abt 15 Dazai !
Yea Fyodor is too but he’s the villain so I thought nobody likes him that much
@@freezyyyy-the 2 great writers
Dazai Osamu and Fyodor Dostoevsky
No longer human and crime and punishment
I read A Gentle Creature, then White Nights, now I'm reading Brothers Karamozov. It's really good so far. I'll probably read Crime and Punishment or The Idiot next.
Did you finish it? What did you think?
@TomPlantagenet Still working on it! About 3/4 of the way through. One of the best books I've ever read
@ excellent! Keep going. Today I started my 5th read-great novel!
@@TomPlantagenetFinished it! What a book.
@ awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
I tried reading Crime and Punishment but since I'm not that accomplished a reader I found myself taking to long tripping over all the Russian names in my head. I listened to the audiobook instead and loved it.
Yeah they all have big names.
I started with “The Brothers Karamazov”. The Russian names drove me nuts initially, not only the pronunciation but there’s like three different names for the same character. But I got through it because the story and writing is amazing.
@@coloredgentleman Yeah the multiple names are tricky. I listened to The Brothers Karamazov shortly after posting my comment, loved it, will be checking out The Idiot next year.
This reel gives me such a cozy vibe
Yes, my first book by him was Crimeband Punishment and its soooo good.
Couldnt agree more
@@roz472 I know right 😊😆
I want to buy it but I don't know which edition to buy. Can you help me out with that?
@@Toooldiguess the only actual book that I owned right now and probably the best so far (aside the old translation) was by Michael katz but perhaps I need to read the other translation too😅
I tried to read it but I dont like trageic,depress or bad endings book.
But I loved the tragic love of natahs and primce andrei in War and Peace.
Can you recommend me some fyodor books that you think I may enjoy.
And don't forget the short story "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man"! One of the last things Dostoevsky wrote, shortly before The Brothers Karamazov. It's almost like a prelude to The Brothers Karamazov. And its main is the same main theme running throughout all of Dostoevsky's works, at least inasmuch as there can be said to be a main theme running throughout all his works.
Agreed, it's the first thing I recommend to anyone starting their Dostoevsky journey! Following it with Notes from Underground is brilliant too, The Ridiculous Man and The Underground Man are a perfect look at two people going down two different paths. After those two then either White Nights or Crime and Punishment :)
@@jaye2491 Good points! I also want to add that when it comes to Dostoevsky - maybe more than any other Russian writer since his style is so riveting and gripping yet jagged and frenetic like a stranger walking down the street who suddenly grabs you by the arm and starts shouting at you but in an actually very intelligent and exciting way - it's hard to get him across in English, hence a good translation of his works is very helpful. My personal favorite for Crime and Punishment is Oliver Ready and Michael Katz. Also, Katz has done most of Dostoevsky's major works except for The Idiot (though Katz told me he's currently working on translating The Idiot now). Also Constance Garnett is old but free, and she really holds up, but it's probably best to get a revised or updated version of Garnett's translation to iron out her deficiencies from the early 1900s. For example, I really like The Brothers Karamazov originally translated by Garnett and updated by Susan McReynolds Oddo in the Norton Critical Edition.
@@philtheo yes so true! One piece of advice I am so glad I took at the beginning of my Russian literature journey was to ensure you find the best translation for you, and I agree wholeheartedly with Katz as the top of the list, his translations of Karamazov and Crime and Punishment are my favourites, and his translation Notes from Underground is probably my favourite as well I'd say. I haven't read his Demons, and that's exciting to know he is in the process of The Idiot! Have you spoken to him personally have you?? :)
I have always loved the Penguin Classics translations overall too, McDuff is also a favourite of mine, although even being a native speaker of English I needed to look up a few of the mid-20th century translation choices.
I have over 40 Dostoevsky related books on the shelf now (including 8 Karamazovs haha!), he just connects with me like no other author :)
@@jaye2491 Wow, awesome, I completely agree with everything you said! 😊 In fact, I couldn't agree more, what you said totally resonates with me too!
Oh yes, I did speak with Katz recently, maybe a few weeks ago at most? He also said (half seriously, half with tongue planted in cheek, I think) that he hopes his translations of all of Dostoevsky's major works will replace the far more popular (but also, sorry to say, worse) translations by Pevear and Volokhonsky. I hope so too because Katz is just great and my favorite, though I recognize there are other good ones like McDuff too! I have only ever read excepts from McDuff though, not the whole books, but what I read I liked too. I think Ignat Avsey is also pretty good, maybe a bit loose here and there for my tastes, bit overall still good. Unfortunately I think he only ever did TBK and The Idiot though before he passed away. But I'm glad he did those two at least. 😊
@@jaye2491 By the way, I also really love Penguin Classics editions too! I don't think I have as many as you, but I do have quite a few. I usually love their introductions and notes. Usually their introductions are so helpful to me! I love their black spines too, they look so nice on my shelf. Someday hopefully I can build a good Penguin Classics collection! I don't know if you know him, but there's a channel by an older man and literary critic named Steve Donoghue who does something he calls his Daily Penguin (or at least he used to do it, not sure if he still does now, but I only recently found his channel, so I've been watching his series and going through his Daily Penguin videos). They're really often insightful and at least they make me want to read the books. Plus I've found a few books I had never heard of thanks to Steve Donoghue. Anyway I recommend him from what I've seen so far if you love books! 😊
Poor folk was my first Dostoevsky book ever and i think its underrated it really deserves a bit more credit
THANK YOU I was looking all over the internet for what order to present the books in. Dostoyevsky changed my life and I wanted to introduce his books in literature class but didn’t know what to start with. I settled on Crime and Punishment and it seems like you came to the same conclusion. Thanks again!!!
Another book I have really enjoyed and which I personally would include here is "Humiliated and Insulted"
Definitely start with notes from the underground, short and gets to the point of what makes him so unique and great. I read that first then notes from a dead house. Sounds weird but those are the first two I’d recommend…then get to his long novels
The Gambler and White Nights are beautiful
Woww great books, great voice too.
As a psychiatrist I was absolutely impressed with how much this author understands the human being after reading "Notes from underground"
I love that I look up Dostoevsky on RUclips, and none other than Sebastian Rothstein comes up on my feed. So great to see you!
Hahah that’s fantastic 😂 good to hear from you- been too long and I hope you’re doing great 💕
The first Dostoevsky book i read was 'the dream of a ridiculous man, such a good short novel with a beautiful end.
Thank you so much!
Didn’t know there was an order! Thank you so much for sharing!
There isn't. This video is pointless.
i always wanted to start his books. thank you so much!!!
setting up the camera to record yourself reading and acting confused is so camp!! this is brilliant 10/10
Tack så mycket broder 👍
I loved this book so much…
A huge thanks! ❤
I started from brother karnazov but subsequently left it after 200 pages .
switched to graphic novels? Keep us posted, kido :)
Thanks , much appreciated
This is Netochka Nezvanova erasure; it's honestly my second fave after C&P. Some people might mind that it was never finished, but imo it's also a good entry point for beginners because it's short and less dense, while also still being a really compelling story.
I read Crime And Punishment, The Idiot, and then The Brothers Karamazov. I'm good for now. I may come back around for Notes From The Underground and Demons at some point. I'm in no rush. I enjoyed what I read, but it takes a certain mindset and mood for me to digest his writing
Amazing!
I just finished the double and it is criminally underrated. It left my brain completely broken!
Currently reading ‘A nasty business’ as my first Dostoyevsky. Really enjoying it so far
I recommend the Gambler. It was the first Dostoevsky book i read all the way through. Its relatively short compared to the other works and I thought it was very thought provoking.
Just read notes for the underground i would say it made an impact which should i read next
I just started reading Dostoevsky and have decided to start with The Brothers Karamazov, which from everything Im hearing seems to be his magnum opus. I hope this wont ruin the experience, im enjoying the book a lot so far.
Did you watch the movie
@@AnglandAlamehnaSwedish no
A great writer.
thanks for making my journey easy blud
thanks bro!
Tak så mycket
AND white nights.
I’m definitely rereading notes from the underground. At the time, it was for a school project and I think I didn’t grasp it fully. At 23 I’m definitely more mature
I started with crime and punishment and loved it instantly but didn't finish it (I have a problem with finishing things/books/projects). Then I picked up the brothers karamasov (and actually finished it) and now I'm reading notes from the underground, I also read half of the idiot. I have to start again and do it in this order this time. Dostojewski is my favorite author of all time. So far, noone's impressed me this much.
just read it chronological. All of his books are great
I only ever read brothers Karamazov, but it was one of my favorite reads ever.
That's the one I started with. My mother still had her copy (which she never finished) from college. I picked it up in 10th grade. I read Notes from the Underground Man in college. I have since aquired both The Idiot and Crime and Punishment but they are still in the tbr pile.
@@kohakuaikou read the brothers in the 10th grade?? Bruh did you recover mentally
@@jaredfaulkner2202 TBF I read at least 3 lighter books during the month it took me to finish it. I mostly read it on the bus or in history class
@@kohakuaiko so you didn’t grasp it fully? I’ve heard ppl say to wait. I’m 21 and plan on reading after I finish a few others. I hear after all other authors are ruined
@jaredfaulkner2202 I don't think anyone can the first time. I was reading a borrowed copy so I couldn't make notes in the margins. Sometime I'm going to sit down with both a hard copy and the LibriVox audio and revisit Alyosha and Ivan's devil. Mitya was... Mitya.
Haha, I'm reading Crime and Punishment rn. So far in, I think the book is really interesting, and I'll prob check out more from Dostoyevsky!
I have read like 5 pages of "crime and punishment" is it really worth it guys?
Notes from the Underground is a much better starting point than Crime and Punishment, imo. It gives a taste of his work without too much investment, and the first half lays out the themes of much of his future work very explicitly
That folio brothers copy is so beautiful
I read all of these books in almost the same order; just switched the order of The Idiot and Demons. Still my favorite author to date. I initially read all these books in about 9 months, and I continue to go back and read one or two every couple of years.
I was just searching for some Fyodor Dostoevsky edits…
the bsd one ?
@@GhadaWalaonely yeah
Dostoevsky is my favorite writer for all the time I started reading him when i was a teen and I can’t get over how is a genius man how he can Describe human soul very well
I’d maybe consider reading “The Grand Inquisitor” chapter of “The Brothers Karamazov” (widely available as a short book) first just to give a quick taste of what’s to come. And it’s great.
White nights is the only one I've read. Found it cheap in a bookstore and it looked more approachable than a lot of his longer work.
I really recommend this one
Ur copies r really interesting, specially the cover artwork of the brothers karamazov
I read The Idiot, then Crime and Punishment, and I’m currently read Brothers Karamazov 😁
another one that isnt a must but its my favourite from its a short story called a faint heart
I would say that 'Notes from a dead house' is a must read also.
I read Notes from the Deadhouse while in college and liked it. I read the first volume of Brothers Karamazov published by Progress Publishers, have not read the second.
I started with white nights, no his best but an easy read.
Then notes from the underground, incredible one.
Then crime and punishment, still continuing on the journey!
The dream of a ridiculous man is in my opinion a non-negotiable. I am in awe as to how he expresses the ideas represented in this novel in 32 pages.
Good video
i'm starting devils as my first dostoevsky book. it wasn't in this list is this a good book to start on
"Demons" "Devils" "The Possessed" are all the same book-- number 3 on my list.
Ive first red Notes from the Underground after that White nights and now I am reading The Idiot. All of them are extremely good but until now I liked white nights the most.
His short stories? The Eternal Husband?! His letters>
But I agree, the are the essentials
I can't stress enough how much the gambler is peak for me
here to recommend the gambler,i really enjoyed it!
I am going to read his book crime and punishment this weekend at Barnes and noble
Im reading my first Dostoyevsky, and i started with The gambler.
Not so long ago I purchased "Notes from a Dead House", and it's an amazing book! Never read Dostoyevsky before, but wanted to for many years.
I don't live in Russia, and I didn't want to read his books in English. I wanted to read him in original Russian (my mother tongue).
The order I read them in as well. The optional ones, however, are manditory!
Good rule of thumb if you dont know in which order to read books of any author is simply to read them by publishing year. Start first with his early works and move on and follow his development as a writer.
My two cents, White Nights is a great Dostoievsky starter :) short and sweet and sad
I read "The Player" first. In-tune with geopolitics, a bit of history, and the late era of the setting, I got every single nod to each peoples' attitudes.
It was fun, what can I say? Also, maybe the origin of "simp protag."
The house of the head is one of his finest after those five must reads
My suggestion to anyone who want to start reading Dostoyevsky is "Dreams of a ridiculous man". A short masterpiece that gives a taste of his work in 25 pages.
The problem is not what comes first the problem is what comes after him 😂
I’ve started crime and punishment and I’m new to reading literature in general. Is there anything I should be doing to understand it better / to get more value out of it?
Stick to it. The middle is a little tedious even though there's no filler in it. It gets insanely good in the last 200 pages. Try to keep track of all the information you get. All of it is important. Look up the original meanings of the characters' names, too, as they have meaning.
It gets convoluted, so a reread can help your understanding of it. Keep a list of character names on hand as names are very important in it.
@@reginaldcampos5762 yeah Russian names confuse me lol. Thanks for the tip.
I from Russia and I didn’t read it) i think i should read it considering that it is also in the top in other languages.
The Idiot was the first book I read by Dostoyevsky - and that was many years ago, as a teenager. Have started Crime and Punishment but am reading it sporadically. I’ll check out these others as well - but probably not in the order the video advises.
And now, I'm curious about what these books did for you. I mean, what do they talk about? Can they help someone to improve his life in some or another way ?
I did:
Brothers Karamazov
Crime and Punishment
The Idiot
White Nights.
Brothers Karamazov was a very heavy way to start, but i am absolutely hooked onto these books.
Counterargument for engagements sake: the main reason for the scadutree fragments is to more properly reward exploration compared to Elden ring. In the base game, exploration was really inherently interesting but was dampened a bit because the rewards for most things (once you settled into a certain build) were not that useful because there was so much variety. Therefore people were less inclined to take on the less obvious paths or challenging side content because they knew it probably wouldn’t reward their character.
For this game FromSoft really has leaned into the philosophy of exploring the world (as their first open world game) and making that exploration really fun and satisfying, so it makes sense to modify their approach to the fragment system for the DLC. They want the player to experience that sense of wonder and discovery again that they first experienced when the base game was released, as that’s what Elden Ring is about for them. This is really bolstered by the new balance patch-by making the scadutree fragments stronger, you have to find less and it’s less frustrating, but if you really want to maximize your character (which isn’t that necessary), there’s a chance that any nook and cranny you enter, and the subsequent challenges you willingly take on, can put you on the path to being stronger.
To summarize, Elden Ring (and the DLC) is a game in which you can run past everything and beat the game-it’s designed that way on purpose. FromSoft’s task is to give you that option, but prove to you that actually engaging with the game and world that they meticulously built is worth it. While there can be some improvements (like having a surplus of fragments) but overall I think it makes total sense with their philosophy.
I read Crime and Punishment first and GOD it’s amazing
Right on
What about 200 years together?
это другой человек написал, солженицын, агент цру
this book is by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, not Dostoevsky
white nights it's by far the best to start
The first one I read was Crime and Punishment, now I'm going to read the brothers karamazov 😅
Почему-то все игнорируют «Униженные и оскорблённые». Мне кажется, именно с этого романа стоит начинать изучение Достоевского, так как именно этот роман относительно простой для начинающих читателей.
(Только если вдруг начнёте чтение этого романа, обязательно посмотрите пару видео по типу «Санкт-Петербург 4к» для понимания атмосферы. Моя знакомая иностранка была очень благодарна за этот совет)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAY Months ago I started reading Dostoyevski with the first of the list, Crime and Punishment
No way u said the double is optional😭😭