Fyodor Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and essayist, widely considered to be one of the greatest writers in Western literature. He was born in Moscow in 1821 and raised in a middle-class family. His father was a doctor who treated the poor for free, which instilled in Dostoevsky a deep sense of social justice and compassion for the downtrodden.

Dostoevsky began his writing career in the 1840s, with a series of novellas and short stories that explored the complexities of human nature and the dark side of Russian society. His first major novel, "Poor Folk," was published in 1846 and won critical acclaim. However, it was his later works, such as "Crime and Punishment," "The Idiot," and "The Brothers Karamazov," that established him as a literary master.

Dostoevsky's writing is known for its psychological depth, philosophical themes, and exploration of the human condition. His characters often struggle with moral dilemmas and existential questions, grappling with issues of faith, morality, and the meaning of life. His works also explore the political and social issues of his time, including poverty, crime, and political oppression.

Dostoevsky's life was marked by personal tragedy and political turmoil. He was arrested in 1849 for his involvement with a group of liberal intellectuals and sentenced to death, only to have the sentence commuted to hard labor in Siberia. He returned to Russia after serving his sentence, but continued to struggle with poverty and illness throughout his life. He died in 1881 at the age of 59.

Despite his tumultuous life, Dostoevsky's legacy as a writer and thinker endures. His works continue to be widely read and studied today, and his ideas about the human condition and the role of faith in society continue to resonate with readers around the world.