". . . a narrative of such compelling precision, thoroughness and insight as to give the reader a sense not just of acquaintanceship, but of complete identification with Dostoevsky, of looking through his eyes and understanding with his mind."--Helen Muchnic, Boston Globe "This is unquestionably the best account we have of Dostoevsky in his time."--Donald Fanger, The New Republic ". . . will rightly be considered one of the finest achievements of American literary scholarship."--Ren Wellek, Washington Post