The House of the Dead or Notes from the House of the Dead as it is sometimes translated is Dostoevsky's semi-autographical novel based in a Siberian prison camp. It was first published in Vremia between 1860 and 1862 and was well incredibly well-received in Russia by leading figures such as Tolstoy, Turgenev and Lenin. It was interpreted by Tolstoy as a piece of religious literature, inspired by deep Christian faith, whereas Lenin viewed as an allegory for the repressed masses under the Tsarist yoke. Praise was not only received in Russia but in western Europe as well with Ludwig Wittgenstein declaring in Dostoevky's greatest novel.

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.

Lifetime edition, 2 vol in 1, 8vo (22 x 15 cm); half-titles and titles, some light scattered foxing, contemporary Russian bookseller's label 'T. O. Volf' to upper pastedown; contemporary half brown morocco, spine gilt in parts with title to second, very small marks to cloth, a near fine copy.