Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky 11 November 1821 – 9 February 1881 sometimes transliteratedas Dostoyevsky , was a Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist and journalist. Dostoevsky's literaryworks explore the in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of , and engage with avariety of philosophical and religious themes. His most acclaimed novelsinclude (1866), (1869), (1872), and (1880). His 1864 , is considered to be one of the firstworks of literature. Numerous literary critics regard him as one of the greatest novelists in all of , asmany of his works are considered highly influential masterpieces.