Publisher's Synopsis
The Gambler is a novel written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, first published in 1867. The story follows the protagonist, Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor working for a wealthy Russian family, who becomes addicted to gambling. As his obsession with gambling grows, he begins to lose everything he has, including his money, his job, and even his self-respect. The novel explores themes of addiction, love, and the destructive power of gambling.The Gambler is set in a fictional German spa town, where Alexei falls in love with the beautiful Polina, who is also the stepdaughter of his employer. Polina is a complex character, who is torn between her love for Alexei and her loyalty to her stepfather. As the story unfolds, Alexei finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, betrayal, and jealousy, as he tries to win Polina's love and beat the odds at the gambling table.The novel is a powerful portrayal of the human psyche, and the destructive nature of addiction. Dostoyevsky, who was himself a compulsive gambler, draws on his own experiences to create a vivid and compelling story that explores the depths of the human soul. The Gambler is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its powerful themes and unforgettable characters.This is the one that Dostoevsky had to dictate in record time to avoid a return to prison for debt. Worth a look.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.