The Devils is one of Dostoevsky's four major novels -- and the most openly political of his works. Known by several names, including The Demons and The Possessed, this novel often anchors courses on Dostoevsky's works. This critical companion contains essays that shed light on both the tricky literary structure of the novel as well as its social and political components.Literary scholars have been fascinated by The Devils because of its difficult narrative structure, which veers back and forth from first and third person. The first essay, by Malcolm V. Jones, tackles this tricky narrative. Derek Offord then examines Dostoevsky's political overtones and social commentary. Finally, R.P. Blackmur looks at the metaphysical aspects of the novel.In addition to a detailed introduction, editor William Leatherbarrow provides notebook and source material, as well as an annotated bibliography.