A collection of powerful stories by one of the masters of Russian literature, illustrating the author's thoughts on political philosophy, religion and above all, humanity.
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"A timely re-issue of the Notes with an Introduction that is a lively and informative invitation to engage with Dostoevsky's text." —Raymond Boisvert, Department of Philosophy, Siena College
--This text refers to the
Kindle Edition
edition.
Language Notes
Text: English, Russian (translation)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By Enamorato
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I will not delve into the brilliant work of nascent existentialism that Dostoevsky's "Notes From Underground" represents as there are plenty of reviews who have already done that for me. I do want to help customers in choosing a translation out of the many that are available, as there doesn't seem to be much to guide one through them here.
Perhaps the best translation I've found to date is that by Andrew MacAndrew, available in a Signet Classics edition. MacAndrew's prose has a vigor and modern clarity that truly make this work speak to the reader - the Underground Man truly comes to life as a living, breathing character with a relevance and immediacy.
For all the praise the Pevear/Volokhonsky translations have gotten, I do not think they necessarily surpass the efforts of those who came before them in this particular instance. Although a big fan of their Tolstoy, the Dostoevsky comes off somewhat comparatively muted.
Compare MacAndrew's rendering of the opening words in which the Underground Man introduces himself:
"I'm a sick man... a mean man. There's nothing attractive about me. I think there's something wrong with my liver. But, actually, I don't know a damn thing about my sickness; I'm not even too sure what it is that's ailing me."
To Pevear/Volokhonsky's:
"I am a sick man... I am a wicked man. An unattractive man. I think my liver hurts. However, I don't know a fig about my sickness and am not sure what it is that hurts me."
Of the two, MacAndrew's Underground Man obviously speaks a more contemporary English. I am aware that this has actually been a criticism of his. In fact, many readers might actually be put off by the brusque and terse take or find it even slightly disturbing. Purists will also doubtless find much to annoy them about MacAndrew's more interpretive (as opposed to literal) approach to translation. The Pevear/Volokhonsky actually appeared in 1993, about 30 years after MacAndrew's. There's nothing particularly wrong with their version. It has a stately, nuanced charm and is apparently much truer to Dostoevsky's original in the literal sense (to the point of translating his flaws and idiosyncrasies). But personally, as a reader, I just got much more out of reading the MacAndrew translation. You immediately get a taste of the angst of this character from MacAndrew's terse, flippant diction.
Two others to take note of: The classic Constance Garrett translation can still be found in a cheap Barnes and Noble Classics edition, along with a good selection of Dostoevsky's shorter works. Garnett's haphazard, hasty, and somewhat reckless method of translation has been much criticised, as has her quaintly Victorian diction. Mirra Ginsberg's translation in the Bantam Classics series matches the Pevear/Volokhonsky translation almost word-for-word, although I find the wording where she deviates to actually be better overall.
Perhaps the best translation I've found to date is that by Andrew MacAndrew, available in a Signet Classics edition. MacAndrew's prose has a vigor and modern clarity that truly make this work speak to the reader - the Underground Man truly comes to life as a living, breathing character with a relevance and immediacy.
For all the praise the Pevear/Volokhonsky translations have gotten, I do not think they necessarily surpass the efforts of those who came before them in this particular instance. Although a big fan of their Tolstoy, the Dostoevsky comes off somewhat comparatively muted.
Compare MacAndrew's rendering of the opening words in which the Underground Man introduces himself:
"I'm a sick man... a mean man. There's nothing attractive about me. I think there's something wrong with my liver. But, actually, I don't know a damn thing about my sickness; I'm not even too sure what it is that's ailing me."
To Pevear/Volokhonsky's:
"I am a sick man... I am a wicked man. An unattractive man. I think my liver hurts. However, I don't know a fig about my sickness and am not sure what it is that hurts me."
Of the two, MacAndrew's Underground Man obviously speaks a more contemporary English. I am aware that this has actually been a criticism of his. In fact, many readers might actually be put off by the brusque and terse take or find it even slightly disturbing. Purists will also doubtless find much to annoy them about MacAndrew's more interpretive (as opposed to literal) approach to translation. The Pevear/Volokhonsky actually appeared in 1993, about 30 years after MacAndrew's. There's nothing particularly wrong with their version. It has a stately, nuanced charm and is apparently much truer to Dostoevsky's original in the literal sense (to the point of translating his flaws and idiosyncrasies). But personally, as a reader, I just got much more out of reading the MacAndrew translation. You immediately get a taste of the angst of this character from MacAndrew's terse, flippant diction.
Two others to take note of: The classic Constance Garrett translation can still be found in a cheap Barnes and Noble Classics edition, along with a good selection of Dostoevsky's shorter works. Garnett's haphazard, hasty, and somewhat reckless method of translation has been much criticised, as has her quaintly Victorian diction. Mirra Ginsberg's translation in the Bantam Classics series matches the Pevear/Volokhonsky translation almost word-for-word, although I find the wording where she deviates to actually be better overall.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
The incable of love, a man in the undergound questions the validity the objective reality and the norms of normal morality. Rages against the positivist notions of social order - and claims himself that "he couldn't even make an insect of himself". In Notes from Underground, Dostoyevsky plunges into the depths of the human soul to discover selfish and evil tendencies that was already inherent in the human mind and brings this out very generously in the book. "I am a sick man. I am an angry man. I am an unattractive man" perhaps gives us an idea of the personity of this man, and essentially about some of us that exist in the world.
A great book by a great author; if you are interested in reading about a guy who throws into question the validity of positivism, moral order, and human kindness, this would be a great book to read.
A great book by a great author; if you are interested in reading about a guy who throws into question the validity of positivism, moral order, and human kindness, this would be a great book to read.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Sean K
Format:Mass Market Paperback
" . . . it's hardly literature so much as a corrective punishment."
While reading Part I of "Notes from Underground," you'll undoubtedly get the same feeling. The first third of the novel is a practice in rambling conjecture, as the protagonist of the novel, the "Underground Man", espouses his thoughts and beliefs on his miserable and embittered life. However, Part II picks up interest as Dostoyevsky presents a short, yet powerful, story of this castaway and how he become so alienated from "real" life.
Without a doubt, the protagonist is a haughty, arrogant erudite who feels himself superior to others. Set in 1860s St. Petersburg, the protagonist immerses himself in Romantic literature and comes to view the world through these unrealistic novels. Yet, in practice he fails to act upon any of the noble ideals set forth in the novels and comes to despise himself. His self-loathing and self-pity manifests itself into a vile existence, where self-delusion and an active imagination takes the place of real social interaction in the outside world. Although the protagonist later derides a prostitute on her doomed existence, it is he who is doomed to an early death with no mourners at his funeral.
While the first part of the novel is a droll treatise on his twisted philosophy, the second part details the protagonist's pitiful attempts at maintain dignity and self-worth. Although he thinks highly of himself, his delusions of grandeur are quickly squashed by those who do not care about his existence, such as an officer who barely notices him as he pushes him out of the way everyday.
Perhaps most disturbing is the protagonist's stance on love. To him, love is not about a mutual respect and caring for each other, but is merely a sadomasochistic game of power and domination. To him, being loved means allowing another to tyrannize and control yourself. The loving relationship must include a domineering partner and a submissive partner. Indeed, the protagonist is incapable of real love and quickly repels any hope of love.
Overall, "Notes From Underground" delivers a poignant psychological case study of an individual far removed from society, who despises everyone and thinks there is a cabal of conspirators to subjugate him to his poverty-stricken existence. Written almost 150 years ago, this novel is still relevant today. Most of us, myself included, have certain qualities of the "Underground Man" espoused in this novel, as it is hard not to become alienated and hardened in modern society. Once again, if you can slug your way through the tedious Part I, you are rewarded in the end.
While reading Part I of "Notes from Underground," you'll undoubtedly get the same feeling. The first third of the novel is a practice in rambling conjecture, as the protagonist of the novel, the "Underground Man", espouses his thoughts and beliefs on his miserable and embittered life. However, Part II picks up interest as Dostoyevsky presents a short, yet powerful, story of this castaway and how he become so alienated from "real" life.
Without a doubt, the protagonist is a haughty, arrogant erudite who feels himself superior to others. Set in 1860s St. Petersburg, the protagonist immerses himself in Romantic literature and comes to view the world through these unrealistic novels. Yet, in practice he fails to act upon any of the noble ideals set forth in the novels and comes to despise himself. His self-loathing and self-pity manifests itself into a vile existence, where self-delusion and an active imagination takes the place of real social interaction in the outside world. Although the protagonist later derides a prostitute on her doomed existence, it is he who is doomed to an early death with no mourners at his funeral.
While the first part of the novel is a droll treatise on his twisted philosophy, the second part details the protagonist's pitiful attempts at maintain dignity and self-worth. Although he thinks highly of himself, his delusions of grandeur are quickly squashed by those who do not care about his existence, such as an officer who barely notices him as he pushes him out of the way everyday.
Perhaps most disturbing is the protagonist's stance on love. To him, love is not about a mutual respect and caring for each other, but is merely a sadomasochistic game of power and domination. To him, being loved means allowing another to tyrannize and control yourself. The loving relationship must include a domineering partner and a submissive partner. Indeed, the protagonist is incapable of real love and quickly repels any hope of love.
Overall, "Notes From Underground" delivers a poignant psychological case study of an individual far removed from society, who despises everyone and thinks there is a cabal of conspirators to subjugate him to his poverty-stricken existence. Written almost 150 years ago, this novel is still relevant today. Most of us, myself included, have certain qualities of the "Underground Man" espoused in this novel, as it is hard not to become alienated and hardened in modern society. Once again, if you can slug your way through the tedious Part I, you are rewarded in the end.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Existentialism and God
Dostoyevsky is Dostoyevsky, and if you care about literature you will read his great works if you haven't already. Read more
Published on November 23, 2009 by P. J. Owen
5.0 out of 5 stars
dostoyevsky as cool as ever
This book is as great as all dostoyevsky books.
I was in stitches with the Dostoyevskys perceptions. Read more
I was in stitches with the Dostoyevskys perceptions. Read more
Published on March 16, 2009 by fumika
4.0 out of 5 stars
"I am a sick man..."
Dostoyevsky led a troubled life and struggled with the questions of suffering and the meaning of life. The opening line of Notes From Underground sums it up, "I am a sick man... Read more
Published on May 10, 2008 by ironman96
5.0 out of 5 stars
so good
this is one of the best books i've read to date. its about a man and his failure to connect with the world around him. the novel is spilt up into two parts. Read more
Published on April 30, 2008 by elfdart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely though provoking
This story can stimulate your thoughts in many directions: history, philosophy, psychology, your own existence. Read more
Published on November 2, 2007 by JP
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dostoyevsky a social prophet?
I found Dostoyevsky through reading (about) Charles Bukowski, and I gotta say I'm very impressed. For a writer back in 1800's Russia, I found his writing VERY contemporary,... Read more
Published on October 31, 2007 by Matthew A. Vecchio
5.0 out of 5 stars
The more times you read this the more you will see...
This is one of those books that would be suitable for multiple readings, each time coming away with more than you had the last.
Fabulous book. Read more
Fabulous book. Read more
Published on April 6, 2007 by R. Hooyman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely Powerful
I just finished reading this text, and I must say this is one of the most powerful books I have had the privelege of reading. Read more
Published on May 18, 2006 by King Elessar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Wow. I read this book at the frantic pace I felt as though it was being written in. Therefore it was quick, and I thought, an easy read. Read more
Published on February 5, 2006 by Soren Kierkegaard
4.0 out of 5 stars
Prototype for George Castanza?
I had heard about "Notes from Underground" for years, but only got around to reading it recently. As I read the story, I couldn't help comparing the main character's behavior to... Read more
Published on July 24, 2005 by Joe Banks
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