Dostoevsky: A Writer in his Time

This book is a condensed version of a five-volume examination of the life, world and works of Dostoevsky, by Joseph Frank.  The condensed version still runs to over 900 pages.  But Frank writes beautifully and the condensation (by Mary Petrusewicz) is outstanding - so it is a pleasure to read.  Frank weaves together the story of Dostoevsky's life, the literary and political history of Russia from about 1830 to the early 1880's, and the development of Dostoevsky's thought,  in such a way as to illuminate clearly and forcefully the underlying beliefs and philosophical "arguments" that Dostoevsky converted so brilliantly into gripping characters and stories.  Frank's books have been described as magisterial, because, in addition to the thorough research and literary insight,  Frank also writes with tremendous empathy for human struggles and aspirations and the ability of artists to distill  these currents into profound works that stir the soul.  It is truly ennobling to read this book and feel the power of great art.  I have read several books by Dostoevsky, and found them to be thrilling, but always felt there were underlying currents I was missing.  Frank's work filled in these gaps for me - I have come to understand that each of Dostoevsky's books portrays political, religious, moral and philosophical ideas through the actions of the characters.  Dostoevsky led a tremendously dramatic and passionate life.  He was arrested along with other intellectuals for revolutionary ideas, sent before a firing squad, but saved by the Tsar at the last minute; imprisoned in Siberia for four years, and exiled from St. Petersburg for another six; suffered from frequent and debilitating bouts of epilepsy; was crushed by the early death of children; was terribly addicted to gambling for many years; but was a loving and devoted husband and father.  Late in life, he was revered as a virtual saint by all classes of Russians. But Frank's work is not hagiography - Frank depicts Dostoevsky's virulent anti-semitism and nationalistic fervor with honesty and censure.  More than any book I have read recently, this comes close to being life-changing.