Description: This collection brings together Western and Russian perspectives on the issues raised by the religious element in Dostoevsky's work. The essays cover such topics as temptation, his use of the gospels, the Russian tradition of the veneration of icons, as well as reading aloud, and dialogism. In addition to an exploration of the impact of the Christian tradition on Dostoevsky's major novels, Crime and Punishment, The Idiot and The Brothers Karamazov, there are also discussions of lesser known works such as The Landlady and A Little Boy at Christ's Christmas Tree.
Brief description: Dianne Oenning Thompson is an affiliated lecturer in the Slavonic Department at the University of Cambridge and has taught Russian literature in the United States.
Review Quotes: "Invigorating in its breadth and erudition..." Slavic Review