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