The Village of Stepanchikovo and Its Inhabitants
Newly Translated and Annotated
(Author) Fyodor DostoevskyPresented in a new translation by Roger Cockrell, The Village of Stepanchikovo and Its Inhabitants was originally conceived as a play and first published in 1859, shortly after the author's release from forced military service. Gogolian in style and tone, and waspish in its description of the villainous Opiskin, it is a sustained exercise in caricatural cruelty and a comedic tour de force. The young Sergei is summoned from St Petersburg by his uncle, the retired colonel Yegor Rostanev, to the remote country estate of Stepanchikovo. Rostanev's household, populated by a medley of remarkable characters, is dominated by the figure of Foma Opiskin, a devious, manipulative hanger-on who has everyone in thrall and plots to marry the colonel to the woman of his choice, Tatyana Ivanova. When Opiskin finds that his plans are being thwarted, a confrontation with Rostanev ensues, and all hell is let loose.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881) was a Russian novelist and philosopher known for his psychological depth and existential themes. His most notable works include "Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "Notes from Underground." Dostoevsky's writing style is characterized by its intense exploration of human nature, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of the human psyche. His works have had a profound impact on literature, inspiring generations of writers with their profound insights into the human condition. "Crime and Punishment" is widely regarded as his most famous work, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of evil. Dostoevsky's contributions to literature have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest novelists in history.
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