The Brothers Karamazov 2e (NCE: A Norton Critical Edition: 0 (Norton Critical Editions)

It's a shame that the manner in which the more recent "Norton Critical Editions" are being formatted and printed so as to constitute such a falling off in both style and content. The actual printing on the page (i.e., literally, the ink) is very often inconsistent and sloppy (and passages are therefore occasionally unpleasantly close to unreadable), and the smaller physical sizes of the actual volumes themselves leaves far less room for the once-valued critical commentary and context (it seems; there is certainly less of it included with the original texts). Also, the critical material now included is generally of far less contextual and historical value and simply concerned with being 'relevant' in such a way that renders it very often pointless.

NCE editions are hugely informative and are knee-deep in extra notes and essays all of which are very useful. My only gripe is that the paper is flimsy and they insist on a format that feels awkward to read. I have two versions and use the NCE for background information.

Excellent translation, excellent notes, excellent essays. What more could anyone want? One essay, "The God of Onions" by Morson should be carved in stone!

Being my first exposure to Dostoevsky, this book gave me a deeper appreciation of novels, the type of books I normally try to avoid. The author, however, does not simply piece together a work of fiction with no basis but draws on societal ills that beset Russia in the 19th century. The narrative points towards the effects of the enlightenment and scientific revolution, in subtle ways, and how they are responsible for the growing problems that change the cultural landscape of Russia. This type of knowledge forms elitists whom the character of Ivan represents.Armed with what he deems as a the natural explanation of all phenomena one encounters in the world, Ivan desires to relieve mankind of suffering through the exploitation of nature, giving the people the bread they need. This agenda is manifest in Ivan's poetical figure the "Grand Inquisitor." What is interesting about this character is that Dostoevsky surrounds Ivan's figure in Catholic garb and language, which led this reader to believe that the Church had forsaken Christ for what Ivan, and others like him in the book, deem as a more rational method of saving mankind. Throughout this section of the book Dostoevsky alludes to several passages in the New Testament that deals explicitly with bread: John 6 is the most important in my mind. Aside from this message, Ivan's character introduces repeatedly the maxim that his new science brings about: "If there is no God, then anything is permissible." This the atheists' battle cry!In juxtaposition to Ivan's character stands Alyosha, Ivan's brother, who is a man who lives his life based on a deep faith and service to others. His life's trajectory is set on its course by his mentor Father Zosima, an orthodox monk in the local monastery. Though Alyosha wants to be a monk too, Zosima gives Alyosha a command to not do so but to go into the world and serve. This and several other instances in the book question the contemplative life that so many elite scholars and religionists place a premium on. This contemplative life, from what I gather from this book, is in opposition to Christ's teachings to feed his sheep through service. Alyosha is supposed to represent the true capacity of mankind and their ability to truly serve one another. The competitive atmosphere of the new science destroys the childhood the oldest Karamazov brother, Dimitri. He is driven haplessly about by his passions and his quest to gratify them through money and lust.The contemplative life and scientific dominance contribute to the background of suffering that permeates Russian society, the very thing they propose to resolve. Dostoevsky's social commentary on this front is interesting and ominously frightening because if one pays close attention, this atmosphere provided the perfect seed bed for the ideology of communism to flourish and gain acolytes, all in the name of relieving suffering. Dostoevsky's prediction and history evinced a very different outcome: human suffering on a vast scale came at the hands of communist regimes.In the critical commentary at the end of the book, several articles provide invaluable critiques. One in particular shows that both the "Grand Inquisitor" and the account of Zosima's life represent the most important points in the narrative, for all others aspects of the novel are appendages to them. Additionally, it must be noted that this book cannot be read only once; to obtain the full effect, it must be reread and sifted. That is why this edition receives a five star review: not only because of the critical apparatus but also because the flow of the translation is quite nice. I am now a huge Dostoevsky fan after reading this book.

Just my opinion, but this is Dostoevsky's second-best novel (Crime and Punishment being the best). The great thing about this novel is the variation of attitudes and outlooks possessed by the brothers. And while two of the four brothers face decidedly dismal fates at the end, the novel is quite a hopeful one. Dostoevsky espouses a very Christian point of view while at the same time pointing out the pitfalls therein.The translation is, as might be expected of a Norton edition, very accessible. As with many Russian novels, the names and diminutives might throw folks off a bit, but a notecard cheat-sheet for names can cure that issue easily.

This was my second reading and separated by at least 30 years. Either I've become a better reader or this new translation is special. If you're a Dostoevsky fan from an older reading and you are considering a revisit of the masterpiece, this translation simply raises the story to a new level.I hope you enjoy it.

This book is absolutely terrible, incredibly dry, and in no way worth the time it takes to read the first three words of each chapter. However, the quality of the book is fantastic and if dry unappealing Russian literature calls to you please do order this one :)

A philosophical, psychological detective story addressing the meaning of life and existence while remaining a page turner that engages the reader on multiple levels.