{"product_id":"notes-from-underground-and-the-double","title":"Notes from Underground and The Double","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis Arcturus Classics edition presents two of Dostoevsky''s shorter novels in one volume, \u003ci\u003eNotes from the Underground \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Double\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eNotes from the Underground\u003c\/i\u003e is a dystopian tale of the Underground Man, a retired civil servant living in St Petersburg who retreats from society. This work is considered by many to be the first existentialist novel and influenced many classic works including \u003ci\u003eMetamorphosis\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eInvisible Man\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Double \u003c\/i\u003etells the story of Golyadkin who, on a bitter snowy night, encounters a stranger who looks exactly like him. They become friends, but then Golyadkin realises that unlike himself, his double is socially successful - likeable and charming - and thus the relationship starts to deteriorate. Golyadkin is caught up in a psychological battle that can only end in tragedy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These two works draw on Dostoevsky''s acute observation of Russian life; his thoughts on philosophy and social mores; and his reactions to the work of Nikolai Gogol. At the heart of both lies Dostoevsky''s ruminations on the need to establish one''s true identity and how society can distort the perception of who one truly is.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This edition is presented with a striking contemporary cover-design, bringing this timeless classic to modern readers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003eABOUT THE SERIES: \u003c\/b\u003eThe \u003ci\u003eArcturus Classics\u003c\/i\u003e  series brings          together high-quality paperback editions of classics  works,  presented         with contemporary graphic cover designs. Together they   make a       wonderful   collection which is perfect for any home  library.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57507902357877,"sku":"9781838574901","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781838574901.jpg?v=1787043047","url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/notes-from-underground-and-the-double","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}