The Grand Inquisitor: With Related Chapters from the Brothers Karamazov [Paperback]

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Author), Charles B. Guignon (Editor), Constance Garnett (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0872201937 | ISBN-13: 978-0872201934 | Publication Date: October 1, 1993

This new edition presents 'The Grand Inquisitor' together with the preceding chapter, 'Rebellion', and the extended reply offered by Dostoevsky in the following sections, entitles 'The Russian Monk'. By showing how Dostoevsky frames the Grand Inquisitor story in the wider context of the novel, this edition captures the sublety and power of Dostoevsky's critique of modernity as well as his alternative vision of human fulfilment.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This collection gives us a sense of the depth of Dostoevsky's insights into human life and suffering and of his profound understanding of the tensions and dangers of modernity. Guignon's introduction is a brilliant study that shows how profoundly the 'legend of the Grand Inquisitor' speaks to our day. --Charles Taylor, McGill University

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Hackett Pub Co (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872201937
• ISBN-13: 978-0872201934
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,897 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Political Science > General
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Politics > General
  • #57 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting Christian view, March 18, 2003

By 

Caleb Boyd (Centreville, al United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Grand Inquisitor: With Related Chapters from the Brothers Karamazov (Paperback)

This book is a collection of select chapters from "The Brothers Karamazov."

There is a lengthy introduction that explains in detail the author's philosophy and how it is revealed in each of the four chapters presented here.

"The Brothers Make Friends" is simply here to introduce the two brothers Ivan and Alyosha. Ivan is the Europeanized lover of science, and Alyosha is the young Romantic. Dostoevsky uses his characters as representatives of different worldviews, and develops action in such a way to show how each worldview could be flawed.

In "Rebellion," Ivan's character is developed as he reveals his disdain at the suffering of children and how cruel it seems since they are without sin. Ivan says that he realizes there is suffering and that no one is responsible. This shocks him because he values order, and yet there seems to be no justice in the world.

In "The Grand Inquisitor" chapter, Ivan tells a fable based in the Spanish Inquisition in which the Catholic Inquistor judges Christ, who has returned. He condemns Christ to death saying he valued freedom of faith over mankind's happiness (in ignorance of freedom).

This small book concludes with the incredible story of Father Zossima. In the "Russian Monk," Dostoevsky explains the old Russian, holistic vision of sobornost (love of the entire world and one's taking responsibilty for the sins of all). In this worldview, if all choose to follow it, all will serve all and the world will be a paradise.

Dostoevsky's storytelling is very emotional, and not so much picturesque. But there is so much impact in his words and message! This book is one of my all-time favorites, and I cannot wait to read "The Brothers Karamazov" in its entirity. This, probably, could also serve as a great introduction to Dostoevsky.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant required reading, April 6, 2009

By 

Robert W. Smith "Robert Smith, Ph.D." (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Grand Inquisitor: With Related Chapters from the Brothers Karamazov (Paperback)

Dostoyevski does it again. Fortunately, in this brief book (as compared to much of his popular writing), he explores the inquisition and the racial / ethnic / religious factors therein. I can't comment on the accuracy of the translation in any way, other than I found this to be an immensely pleasurable and fascinating read! I highly recommend it! A.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth a look, November 16, 1999

By 

Mr. H. A. Naqvi "Naqvi" (London, England) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Grand Inquisitor: With Related Chapters from the Brothers Karamazov (Paperback)

Guignon's essay is borne out of and reflects such a genuine enthusiasm that it's ultimately worthwhile to read it just for fun even if you happen to disagree with his interpretation of the fable. It certainly provoked me into returning to and re-reading Dostoevsky's tale.