Notes from Underground and the Double: Fyodor Dostoevsky (Penguin Classics)

I was looking for a serious book, something that would help me get taken more seriously on the tube. With this book I found it. Whilst browsing through a few pages on the DLR I was approached by someone who I can only describe as an academic. We chatted, he asked about the book but I brought the conversation swiftly back round to the weather. The conversation lasted a good 10-15 minutes and I really feel I held my own. Thank you.

I am not much a fan of the DoubleBut Notes from the Underground is one of these books that changes your vision of life and those books are not many.Also quite a small size book compared to the usual Dostoyevsky, so a very good one to start with if you want to move on to his more famous books

Whilst academics may make reference to the influence of these works on existentialism and how it is a commentary on the influence of bureaucracy on the individual and a response to rationalism it is primarily an adventure into the dark recesses of the human mind.The Double is a disturbing description of one individual’s descent into madness, probably schizophrenia. The narrative is a dark and turbulent stream of consciousness, peppered with hallucinations, paranoia and angst. The rushing and confused depiction of events tellingly portrays Golyadkin‘s increasingly unhinged mind.Notes from Underground depict the thoughts of a misanthrope and outsider. Although some of the views expressed by the unnamed protagonist are extreme and verging on the insane, his caustic spite nevertheless resonates on occasions with the reader as they are compelled to face their own demons and darkest thoughts and urges. It is this exploration of the dark side of human nature which make it such an important read.This edition is accompanied by comprehensive notes and an essay for those in pursuing the themes developed further.

Absolutely phenomenal! An astounding psychological endeavour into the nature of human ethical duality.

Great purchase. Beautiful book. Thank you very much.

Perfect

Great book.

Dostoyevsky is a ruthless observer of human nature, most of which he appears to have learned from brutal examination of himself. These two novellas, from different periods of his output, have at least this in common. The truth he offers is that one is more concerned about what other people think than any other factor in living a life, and both of Dostoyevsky's heroes are miserable vicitms in this regard. The conduct of the self in public is executed in a tense, brittle and cruel framework, with neither forgiveness nor respite offered in the harsh reality his characters inhabit. Dostoyevsky's world is a disturbing one, and makes for compelling, if uncomfortable, reading.

I bought this for a philosophy class that focused on Dostoevsky's "Notes from the House of the Dead" and "Notes from the Underground". Both of them were Penguin Classics and I have to say the translations were really good. This book includes an essay on "Underground" and "Double" which was also a really neat read. The footnotes were pretty good, although sometimes they feel a bit thin. Great read!

Book condition was eh, the cover spine was broken in alrdy and had wrinkles.

It was bit difficult to follow, especially the Double. I'll have to read it again.I didn't find the notes from the underground too depressing, but rather a little bit relatable. It's amazing how the author articulately tells us what's going on in his mind.

It came in an excellent condition with a box. Packed really nicely.

This book was wonderful, it is a precursor of existentialist novels and it offers a deep insight of "the man from the underground"to read before crime and punishment and the brothers Karamazov !