
Demons (The Possessed / The Devils) - The Unabridged Garnett Translation (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Psychological Political Novel of Nihilism, Conspiracy, and Imperial RussiaBy Fyodor DostoevskyLength30h 34m
About this audiobook
Demons—also known as The Possessed or The Devils—is Dostoevsky's ferocious political novel of spiritual vacancy, ideological contagion, and moral disintegration in provincial Russia. In the unabridged Constance Garnett translation, its dense polyphony, satirical grotesquerie, and psychological intensity remain strikingly vivid. The novel transforms a sensational tale of conspiracy and murder into a profound inquiry into nihilism, atheism, revolutionary romanticism, and the collapse of inherited ethical order in nineteenth-century Europe. Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote from the pressure of personal ordeal and historical upheaval. His mock execution, Siberian imprisonment, fraught religious rebirth, and close observation of radical circles shaped his suspicion of abstract systems divorced from conscience. Demons draws especially on the Nechaev affair, yet Dostoevsky enlarges that episode into a metaphysical drama, portraying ideas not as harmless theories but as forces capable of possessing individuals and communities. This book is essential for readers interested in the moral history of modernity, the psychology of extremism, or the highest achievements of the Russian novel. Demanding, darkly comic, and prophetic, Demons rewards patient attention with unforgettable characters and a disturbing clarity about how intellectual pride, resentment, and spiritual emptiness can become historical violence.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics, General Fiction
Length30 hrs 34 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 20, 2013
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
17Chapter VI. Pyotr Stepanovitch is Busy
2Introduction
18Chapter VII. A Meeting
3Synopsis
19Chapter VIII. Ivan the Tsarevitch[85]
4Historical Context
20Chapter IX. A Raid at Stefan Trofimovitch's
5Author Biography
21Chapter X. Filibusters[89]. A Fatal Morning
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6Demons (The Possessed / The Devils) - The Unabridged Garnett Translation
22Part III
7Part I
23Chapter II. The End of the Fete
8Chapter II. Prince Harry. Matchmaking.
24Chapter III. A Romance Ended
9Chapter III. The Sins of Others
25Chapter IV. The Last Resolution
10Chapter IV. The Cripple
26Chapter V. A Wanderer
11Chapter V. The Subtle Serpent
27Chapter VI. A Busy Night
12Part II
28Chapter VII. Stepan Trofimovitch's Last Wandering
13Chapter II. Night (continued)
29Chapter VIII. Conclusion
14Chapter III. The Duel
30Analysis
15Chapter IV. All in Expectation
31Reflection
16Chapter V. On the Eve Op the Fete
32Memorable Quotes