In this title, Rowan Williams explores the intricacies of speech, fiction, metaphor, and iconography in the works of one of literature's most complex, and most complexly misunderstood, authors. Williams' investigation focuses on the four major novels of Dostoevsky's maturity ("Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", "Devils", and "The Brothers Karamozov"). He argues that understanding Dostoevsky's style and goals as a writer of fiction is inseparable from understanding his religious commitments. Any reader who enters the rich and insightful world of Williams' "Dostoevsky" will emerge a more thoughtful and appreciative reader for it.
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After reading Williams' book, we return to Dostoevsky with new insight on what it means to be human.
-N. T. Wright, Bishop of Durham
About the Author
The Rt. Hon. and Most Reverend Rowan Williams is Archbishop of Canterbury. He was formerly Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at Oxford and Archbishop of Wales.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Overall this book is proving highly stimulating, helping me to see not only Dostoevsky's fiction more clearly but also my own. Often I have to read passages more than once to chase the meaning, but unlike John Jones's volume on the same subject the meaning does eventually give itself up. The argument steadily and convincingly advances, and my chief disagreement so far is with the author's portrayal of Prince Myshkin, which has prompted me to re-read The Idiot. Any lover of Dostoevsky's novels will find this a rewarding well of deep insights.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
In this study Archbishop Williams shows us he is a
literary critic of the highest order. A thorough
knowledge of the major novels is assumed. For those
who have this knowledge, there is insight on virtually
every page . In the course of close reading, the author
uses his knowledge of theology and the Christian east
to tease out Dostoevsky's evolving religious thinking.
Rowan Williams knows the secondary literature on
Dostoevsky in both Russian and English and engages with
this scholarship in fertile ways. For readers of Dostoevsky
the book is an essential study. A great book in the true
sense.
literary critic of the highest order. A thorough
knowledge of the major novels is assumed. For those
who have this knowledge, there is insight on virtually
every page . In the course of close reading, the author
uses his knowledge of theology and the Christian east
to tease out Dostoevsky's evolving religious thinking.
Rowan Williams knows the secondary literature on
Dostoevsky in both Russian and English and engages with
this scholarship in fertile ways. For readers of Dostoevsky
the book is an essential study. A great book in the true
sense.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By P. MCCOLLUM
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was recommended when I chose a book by Timothy Radcliffe. I thought that probably meant that it would be equivalent "weight". To be honest -- being a scientist with theological interests, rather than a person with literary skills and knowledge (particularly regarding Russian authors), I was often out of my depth.
I appreciate that that is my problem,and not necessarily the author's. I found that the book did raise profound issues, and it was interesting to see how much Doestoevsky was up to speed on theological matters of his day. I can't imagine an English author seeing as much space to exploring the consequences of being God-anchored or a convinced atheist, against the uncommitted stance. It was also interesting to see how Dostoevsky endeavoured to avoid both collectivism and individualism in exploring the "real".
If you like hard mental work, this might be the book for you! (Perhaps not for anyone looking for an entre to a Russian author.)
I appreciate that that is my problem,and not necessarily the author's. I found that the book did raise profound issues, and it was interesting to see how much Doestoevsky was up to speed on theological matters of his day. I can't imagine an English author seeing as much space to exploring the consequences of being God-anchored or a convinced atheist, against the uncommitted stance. It was also interesting to see how Dostoevsky endeavoured to avoid both collectivism and individualism in exploring the "real".
If you like hard mental work, this might be the book for you! (Perhaps not for anyone looking for an entre to a Russian author.)
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Tough but rewarding
Dostoevsky: Language, Faith and Fiction by Rowan Williams is a fantastic book for people who want a deeper understanding of Dostoevsky's works. Read more
Published 10 months ago by A. Nim
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rowan Williams
This book was bought as a gift and the recipient has said how wonderful she found the book. Rowan Williams has a gifted mind and produced a work of lasting worth. Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2010 by K. M. Fairweather
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