Mid-Century

The Idiot — Fyodor M. Dostoevsky, Heron Books (1968)

Dostoevsky's deeply personal novel of pure goodness in corrupt society — Heron Books 1968 illustrated edition, translated by Eva M. Martin. Introduction by Richard Curle. Part of 'The Greatest Masterpieces of Russian Literature' series. Features a built-in yellow ribbon bookmark.

Year
1968 · First published serially 1868–69; this Heron Books edition 1968
Era
Mid-Century
Maker
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821–1881); translated by Eva M. Martin; introduction by Richard Curle; illustrated by Gilbert Koull; published by Heron Books, London; produced by Edito-Service S.A., Geneva
Origin
England
Materials
Hardback, illustrated, built-in yellow ribbon bookmark
Condition
Excellent
Literature

Bibliographic Details

Notable Features

  • Built-in yellow ribbon bookmark
  • Spine uses alternative spelling: DOSTOEVSKI
  • Licensed via J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd (distinct from the Brothers Karamazov volumes, which were via William Heinemann)
  • Spine and boards in excellent condition — no wear, no foxing

Fun Facts

  1. Dostoevsky called The Idiot his own personal favourite among all his novels.
  2. Prince Myshkin's epilepsy directly mirrors Dostoevsky's own lifelong condition.
  3. Richard Curle, who wrote the introduction, was one of Joseph Conrad's closest friends and literary executors.
  4. The spine uses the spelling 'DOSTOEVSKI' — an alternative transliteration.

Acquisition

Condition Notes

Excellent overall — no broken spine, no wear, no foxing. Internally clean throughout. Built-in yellow ribbon bookmark present and intact.