Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821–1881) was a Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist, and philosopher, renowned for his contributions to world literature. Dostoyevsky's literary works explore human psychology in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century Russia. He is often acknowledged for his deep probe into the human condition, examining the complexity of the individual psyche, and the conflicts between reason and emotion, faith and skepticism, sorrow and the search for meaning. His distinct narrative style is characterized by deep psychological insight, an exploring use of narrative modes such as unreliable narrative voices and inner monologues, and a profound understanding of existential dilemmas. Among his oeuvre, 'Notes from the Underground' stands as a seminal work, delving into the ramblings and introspections of an unnamed, disillusioned narrator who fiercely critiques the deterministic nature of 19th century rationalism and utilitarianism. This novella is widely regarded as a precursor of existentialist thought, laying the groundwork for later writers in the genre. Dostoyevsky's other notable works include 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Idiot', 'Demons', and 'The Brothers Karamazov', each contributing to his reputation as one of the most significant and influential novelists in the canon of global literature.