Fyodor Dostoyevsky was a Russian novelist, journalist, and philosopher born on November 11, 1821, in Moscow. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures in Russian and world literature. Dostoyevsky was the second son of a former army doctor. His mother died when he was young, and his father was murdered by his own serfs when Dostoyevsky was 18. These events greatly influenced his writing, which often explores themes of suffering, redemption, and the human condition. Dostoyevsky began his writing career in the 1840s, with works like "Poor Folk" and "The Double." He was arrested in 1849 for participating in a political group, and spent several years in prison and exile in Siberia. This experience would later inform his writing, particularly in his novel "The House of the Dead." After his release, Dostoyevsky wrote several of his most famous works, including "Crime and Punishment," "The Idiot," and "The Brothers Karamazov." He was known for his psychological depth and his exploration of philosophical and religious themes. Dostoyevsky died on February 9, 1881, in St. Petersburg, Russia, leaving behind a legacy of literary masterpieces that continue to be read and studied to this day.
