First published in 1991, this study concentrates on The Devils, but also places this novel in the total context of Dostoevsky's work. Also considered is T.N. Granovsky, who is satirised along with Turgenev in the novel. Carter concludes that Dostoevsky badly misunderstood Western liberalism, but grappled very well with the psychology of the radical terrorist. This is explained with reference to his intellectual revolution beginning in the 1840s.

Introduction 1. Dostoevsky 1821-49: Early Years, Early Works 2. Dostoevsky's Political Baptism: The Road to the Petrashevsky Circle - and Beyond 3. The Years in the Wilderness, 1849-59 4. 1860-63: From 'Reconciliation' to Anti-Nihilism 5. 1864-66: 'Underground Man' in Adversity 6. 1867-69: The Quarrel with Turgenev and The Moral Regeneration of Russia 7. 1898-72: 'The Devils': An Overview 8. 'The Devils': Granovsky, Turgenev, Nechaev 9. 1873-81: From 'Grazhdanin' to Geok-Tepe 10. Conclusion. Appendix I: Sergei Gennadevich Nechaev. Appendix II: Timofei Nikolaevich Granovsky