Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881) was a Russian novelist, essayist, and journalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures. His works explore psychology, existentialism, and spirituality, reflecting the political and social turmoil of 19th-century Russia. His most renowned novels include Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons, and The Brothers Karamazov.
Born in Moscow, he was introduced to literature at a young age. After studying at the Military Engineering Institute, he worked as an engineer before publishing his first novel, Poor Folk (1846), which gained him literary recognition. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1849 when he was arrested for participating in the Petrashevsky Circle. Sentenced to death, he was pardoned at the last moment and exiled to a Siberian prison camp for four years.
Dostoevsky returned to St. Petersburg, working as a journalist and traveling through Europe, where he developed a gambling addiction. Despite financial struggles, he wrote masterpieces that shaped modern literature. His works influenced existentialist philosophy, inspiring writers like Nietzsche, Camus, and Kafka.
He died in 1881, leaving a lasting legacy in world literature, his novels continuing to captivate readers worldwide.