This collection includes two of Dostoevsky's early works - 'Poor People' and 'The Double', which marked the birth of the future great novelist. 'Poor People' is the writer's debut novel. After reading it, V. G. Belinsky wrote that Dostoevsky 'is a completely unknown and new name, but which, it seems, is destined to play a significant role in our literature.' The touching love story of the petty official Makar Devushkin and Varenka Dobroselova reveals the eternal theme of the 'little man'. Despite the inner beauty and nobility of the soul, they are not able to reverse the circumstances and are doomed to suffering in this cruel world. In the story 'The Double' a deep psychological analysis of the split consciousness is given and the theme of duality is brilliantly developed - the human 'I' and its shadow. The drama of Mr. Golyadkin, unfolding against the backdrop of the busy streets of St. Petersburg in the 19th century, is largely connected with the artistic world and the poetics of Gog