Besy captures 'the full grandeur of Dostoevsky's extraordinary endeavor, which is nothing less than to write a symbolic history of the moral-spiritual travails of the Russian spirit' (Frank, pp.430-434). It is his most overtly political work, and a ruthless exposition of contemporary revolutionary movements. The serialisation of this work, in Katkov's periodical The Russian Messenger, broke down when Katkov refused to print 'Stavrogin's Confession', an episode which he found particularly shocking.

In a handsome contemporary binding from the library of Albert McGill, a wealthy industrialist and part of the influential British community in 19th century Russia. The first McGills in Moscow were most-likely Albert's grandfather Robert McGill and his brother David, who emigrated from Paisley in the 1840s. The family is credited with starting the first mechanical and foundry works in Russia, as well playing an important role in the country's cotton mill industry. Just like any other British Family living in the 19th century Moscow, the McGill family was related by marriage to several other British families and Albert was no exception. His wife Eleonora McGill, née Gibson, was the daughter of Charles John Gibson or Karl Yakovlevich Gibson as he was known was director of the Nevsky Stearin Factory in Moscow which produced soap. The McGills donated the largest sum towards the construction of St Andrew's Anglican Church in Moscow which was completed in 1884.

Third (but second separate) edition, 3 parts in 1, 8vo (24.8 x 16 cm); half-titles, ink ownership stamp to first half-title, minor scattered foxing, bookplate of Albert McGill to front pastedown; dark purple contemporary half morocco, spine gilt in compartments, small repair to head of spine, upper joint partially split but holding fine, else a very good copy.