Notes from Underground and The Double (Penguin Classics)

Notes From Underground is easily my second favorite among Dostoevsky's works (behind Brothers, obviously). It has become more and more relevant as generations pass into the modern era, where now the "Underground man" has become almost commonplace. A truly prescient look into and critique of the philosophy of modern liberalism/rationalism. The translation by Ronald Wilks is very good as well, I think he chooses better wording for certain phrases compared to other translations, while maintaining readability. He maintains a balance of the Underground man being intelligent and well spoken while also being unhinged, while other translations make him sound a little too stupid, when he clearly isn't. Overall 10/10, a great introduction to Dostoevsky (I have not read the Double yet)

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!

I've only read the "Notes.." half of the book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Have to read it for my world lit class, and I can definitely see how this book relates to the "Human Condition".

The Underground drove me nuts, maybe I should give it a second read (?) The Double was funny.

I needed to have this book among a few others for my Senior English class. Haven't started reading it yet.

Great

great specially "the double", one of literature's classics.

Though largely famous for long novels, Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote a number of notable novellas, of which The Double is an early example and Notes from Underground is the masterpiece. This collection includes both, which is not only convenient but a positive bargain. It is an ideal place to start for those curious about Dostoevsky but intimidated by his thick masterpieces and also has a wealth of supplemental material to attract the more dedicated. Though an early piece and not as well-crafted as Notes or other subsequent masterworks, The Double manages to put a new spin on the doppelganger phenomenon. In it, Dostoyevsky very skillfully portrays one man's lonely descent into madness -- and manages to be screamingly funny while doing so. A vivid depiction of the dark side of human nature, Notes is a great classic that perfectly evokes the feelings of isolation, despair, narcissism, and paranoia that continue to afflict the masses. Though very short, one feels on completing it that one has read a very profound book. It is one of the best and most essential short novels ever. Dostoevsky is known for stunning penetration into human nature, and his mastery showed here for the first time. Notes touches on many profoundly important issues: philosophical, religious, social, political, etc. Indeed, it was right at the heart of the era's prevalent intellectual modes and remains relevant today. It also works as a springboard for Dostoevsky's later, more ambitious novels. Part of the reason it works so well is that the narrator is so recognizably, touchingly, and pathetically human. Anyone who considers him or herself an outcast, who feels as if he or she has never been able to fit in, who is uncomfortable in social situations, feels morally or intellectually superior for unknown reasons, is overly emotional and susceptible to constant depression - or any such thing - will undoubtedly identify and sympathize. Another reason it works so well is the writing style. Far from traditional novel or documentary style, it gives the impression that one is reading a record of a person's private thoughts. We see the thoughts as they come to the character, not in any linear form. He may well be neurotic, psychotic, manic depressive, bi-polar, or egocentric - but is human nonetheless. This is a singular, profound, and important literary work of unique value that sticks a penetrating and insightful knife straight through human nature's heart. It is an essential read for all; even those who will despise it must deal with it, such is its importance and influence. Anyone looking to do so might as well get this edition so as to have an excellent companion story.

This is not a character study. It is a confession wrapped in barbed wire. The Underground Man does not speak to entertain you. He speaks to unravel you. He whispers things you’ve thought but would never admit. He contradicts himself. He despises himself. He picks apart his own thoughts like they are scabs. And he dares you to keep reading. There is no plot. No clean moral arc. Just a mind in full collapse, walking you through the slow death of pride, intellect, and meaning. What makes it devastating is that it is not a performance. It is sincere. Pathetic and terrifying and utterly human. Dostoevsky knew exactly what he was doing. He stripped away every excuse, every defense mechanism, and handed us something raw and alive. The Underground Man is not likable. That is the point. His voice has no filter. It drags you through humiliation, fantasy, rage, and isolation with brutal clarity. You are meant to squirm. This book is short. But it leaves a long echo. It forces you to sit with the parts of yourself you’d rather avoid. The ones that sulk, sabotage, overthink, withdraw, lash out, then beg for forgiveness without deserving it. You don’t finish this book and feel better. You finish it and feel seen in a way that makes your stomach tighten. Five stars. Not for comfort. For truth.

I have not read the book but I am excited. The book's paper and cover quality feels solid. The font/text inside is a good size and easyily readable

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 !

Peak shiii...one of the masterpieces of dostoevsky.

I'm pleased👍🏼