'Poor Folk'(1846). Dostoevsky's first novel. It was praised by critics at the time of its release. Compared to later works it is decidedly inferior. Reflects the utilitarian/socialist outlook which Dostoevsky would later shun in favor of a "conservative" outlook that became his historic legacy.

'Netochka Nezvanova' (1849) 'NN' can be described as a "Workshop novel": in it one can observe Dostoevsky developing and experimenting with the structural forms, themes, motifs and character types that come define his approach. Unfortunately, these elements remain in raw form and have not yet been brought together as an artistic whole. Of six planned parts, only three were ever finished.

1861. The last of the "workshop" novels. A full-length work that contains flashes of beauty and brilliance, yet suffers from lack of polish. Character psychologies and ideologies are present but not fully developed; acting as periphery details, rather than central driving forces of the novel. An abundance of melodrama is substituted in place of realistic motives and a coherent artistic vision.

'Notes from Underground'(1864) is Dostoevsky's enduring masterpiece. A short novel—half spiteful rant, half tragic tale. It introduces the personality-type of the Underground man. Self-conscience, self-serving and self destructive: from the Underground comes the sickness of man. The consequence of human sickness and the search for a cure are at the heart of Dostoevsky’s subsequent major novels.

Dostoevsky's first major novel and the book for which he is best known. D's most accessible novel due to its moderate size and structured cohesiveness.

Also translated as The Possessed & Devils. The most political of Dostoevsky's major novels; a harsh diatribe against radical revolutionary groups. Long and erudite even for Dostoevsky--best left for enthusiasts.

The culmination of a life's work. The chapter "Grand Inquisitor" the high point of 19th century novel-writing.