Dostoevsky In 90 Minutes [UNABRIDGED] [Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Paul Strathern (Author), Robert Whitfield (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2005

In Dostoevsky in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Dostoevsky’s life and ideas and explains their influence on literature and on man’s struggle to understand his place in the world. The book also includes selections from Dostoevsky’s writings, a list of his chief works in English translation, a chronology of Dostoevsky’s life and times, and recommended reading for those who wish to delve deeper.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Well written and easily digested. (Kliatt )

Succinct and easy-to-read synopsis of the unusual—even dysfunctional—life. (Foreword Magazine )

Fine guide, especially recommended for students. Provide[s] concise overviews...Makes an easily digested introduction. (The Bookwatch )

It furnishes a quick way for general readers to familiarize themselves with writers they wish to read or re-read. (Brian J. Buchanan Tennessean ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Paul Strathern is author of the popular and critically acclaimed Philosophers in 90 Minutes series. Highlights from the series include Nietzsche in 90 Minutes, Aristotle in 90 Minutes, and Plato in 90 Minutes. Mr. Strathern has lectured in philosophy and mathematics and now lives and writes in London. A former Somerset Maugham prize winner, he is also the author of books on history and travel as well as five novels. His articles have appeared in a great many newspapers, including the Observer (London) and the Irish Times. His own degree in philosophy came from Trinity College, Dublin. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks; Unabridged edition (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786179821
• ISBN-13: 978-0786179824
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,424,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Why did Strathern write this book?, February 11, 2008

By 

Stephany G. Plecker "polyglot grandma" (Harrisonburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dostoevsky in 90 Minutes (Great Writers in 90 Minutes Series) (Paperback)

I've observed that there are roughly two groups of literary people: those who appreciate Dostoevsky's works and those who don't. The author of this book sits firmly in the latter group, which begs the question, "Why did he write this?" He is quick to point out the faults of Dostoevsky's major works, but then trips over his words and arguments in meager attempts to describe the positive attributes. Indeed, if I were to base my opinion of Fyodor Mikhailovich and his works solely on this book, I would be quick to label him a neurotic right-wing nut job who couldn't write his way out of a paperbag. In short, if you're looking for a book that will help you better understand Dostoevsky and his works, this isn't it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, December 29, 2005

By 

David Blanton (New York, New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dostoevsky in 90 Minutes (Great Writers in 90 Minutes Series) (Hardcover)

A graceful, authoritative primer on the great Russian writer and thinker. This small book is a seamless integration of three things: Dostoevsky's work and its place in literature, his tortured psychology and a brief but sturdy look at 19th century Russia.

3.0 out of 5 stars only if you've already read the books, January 11, 2012

By 

jimmy (new york, ny) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dostoevsky in 90 Minutes (Great Writers in 90 Minutes Series) (Paperback)

Spoiler alert: at the end of the book Strathern says "his work is not so much literature as raw spiritual experience." I loved reading that. It nailed something I haven't been able to express that simply myself. However, I bought it for my niece who is just finished Anna Karenina, and I'm not planning to give it to her. He's not Tolstoy, you won't float along in awe. He makes you work. He makes you deliver your own redemption. His novels are not full of pull quotes and famous single lines. But they can change your life. So if you're interested in Dostoevsky, it might be better to start with something short like "Diary of a Madman" and see if it pulls you in. Skip this book - he doesn't get it.