The most original of Dostoevsky's great novels' (Frank I); it is 'the most personal of all Dostoevsky's major works, the book in which he embodies his most intimate, cherished, and sacred convictions' (Frank II). Here, Dostoevsky aims to show 'religious faith and moral conscience existing as an ineradicable attribute in the Russian people independent of reason' (Frank I).

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 edition, 4 parts in 1, 8vo (24.7 x 16 cm); half titles, ink ownership stamp to first half-title, contemporary Russian bookseller's label T. O. Volf' to upper pastedown, very occasional marginal foxing; contemporary half brown morocco, spine gilt in compartments with raised bands, bands a little rubbed, title in gilt to second part, a fine copy.